Intravenous

In-tra-ve-nous

ADJECTIVE: existing or taking place within, or administered into, a vein or veins.

A large part of my work day in both the ED and now in Same Day Surgery (SDS) revolves around the insertion of an intravenous device in order that we may do a wide variety of tasks. The evolution of the I.V. over the last 34 years has seen us go from metal needles without any flexibility to a state-of-the-art safety spring-loaded ultra flexible plastic catheters that can remain in the vein for days.

The Intravenous (IV) can be put in any vein in the body (ask an ER nurse where the weirdest place was that they’ve inserted one of these)  and is used to give basic fluids, give medications/boluses in a life/death situation or provide a port for numerous blood samples, introduction of anaesthetics and doses of antibiotics and pain medication.

I’m often asked to help when a patient proclaims “I don’t have any veins at all” or a colleague states they don’t have as much experience as I do, and would rather I give it a shot first. And then there is the statement newer nurses hate to hear….”No one ever gets my IV and you’re not trying if you’re not good at it”……sigh. How is a new nurse ever going to get any experience?

IV insertion requires patience, skill and a little bit of luck. Finding the vein is the challenge and making the commitment to insert is your hurdle. Take a moment to explore all of your options before you choose. Of course when your patient can’t wait… then go big or go home! (Antecubital with a #16)

When I first started in the Peds ER trauma room, I was almost horrified to see the team leader pull a chubby toddler’s head over the stretcher end to expose the external jugular site when extremity IV’s were proving to be difficult to find. We also did a lot of scalp vein insertion, which again, took some getting used to as well as cut downs….anyone remember those?

An IV can save a life, it can miraculously rehydrate a floppy infant and give pain numbing happiness to those with chronic illness. Be patient with yourself and always remember to tell your client the truth. Yes, it’s going to hurt BUT getting a small pinch now may save their life later should anything go wrong.