IMPORTANT STEPS | KEY POINTS | REASONS |
---|---|---|
Prepare Site | 1.) Apply tourniquet 3-6 inches above 2.) Disinfect with Chlorhexidine 3.) Apply Ethyl Chloride Spray | 1.) To distend the veins 2.) To prevent infection 3.) To numb site |
Stick Vein | 1.) Stabilize vein 2.) Steady hand with 2-3 fingers 3.) Bevel up 4.) Hold needle at 45 degrees | 1.) To prevent vein from rolling or moving 2.) To improve accuracy of the stick 3.) Ease of flow 4.) Appropriate angle to puncture the vein |
Advance Needle | 1.) Lower to 10 degrees 2.) Assure flashback 3.) 1⁄4 to 1/3 of its length | 1.) To ensure that you don’t go through the vein 2.) To verify that you are in the vein 3.) To keep catheter in correct position and prevent kinking |
Thread Catheter | 1.) Slide with index finger 2.) Hub touches skin 3.) Hold pressure at catheter tip | 1.) Creates a smooth glide for the catheter to enter the vein 2.) To ensure proper placement 3.) To prevent bleeding out of site |
Remove and Retract Needle | 1.) Press safety when needle is in hub | 1.) To prevent needle sticks |
Connect and Secure | 1.) Seat hub / screw tightly 2.) Remove tourniquet 3.) Flush and dress | 1.) To prevent unnecessary bleeding and leaking at site 2.) Relieves pressure 3.) Verifies patency and protects from germs |