IV Intravenous access Line :

• Provide patients with fluids and electrolytes
• Medications
• Nutrition
• Blood products
• Chemotherapy

IV lines are easy to loose patency

• Patient movement
• Improper IV solution height (must be 18 – 24 inches above patient)
• Access line may become obstructed by clotting
• IV lines must be primed to remove excess air

Infusion Pumps – electronically maintain a set flow rate of medication or IV fluid through the vascular line

Roller clamps – control infusion rates

Infiltration into tissue – occurs when fluid enters into the tissue instead of in a vein

• Redness
• Swollen
• Immediately stop the IV

The smaller the gauge on a needle the larger the needle will be!!!

Arteries and veins :

• Tunica externa
• Tunica media
• Tunica interna

Veins have valves (to prevent backflow)

• Stabalize vein before insertion of needle
• Insert needle at 45 degree angle
• Remove needle (if its for an IC the catheter will stay in place)

VEINS TO AVOID :

• Twisted veins
• Repeated use veins
• Veins under rashes, scars, bruises, tattoos
• Veins untop of arteries
• Superficial veins
• Branching veins
• Vein compromised by surgery
• Areas of flexion (wrist, anticubital, etc…)

VEINS to PICK :

• Straight veins
• Picking varies with length of procedure and use
• Distal ® proximal

TUBES

              Central Line – large venous access

              Saline Lock – for giving meds at intervals

              Gastric Tube – through nose to stomach / decompresses stomach

              GI Tubes – used to decompress intestinal tract

              Foleys – through the urethra to the bladder / requires a collection bag

              Chest Tube