IV Starts for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide

Intravenous (IV) starts are a common procedure in healthcare settings. They involve inserting a small, flexible tube (catheter) into a vein, typically in the arm or hand, to administer medications, fluids, or blood products. IV starts can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Delivering medications or fluids to patients who cannot take them orally
• Providing nutrition to patients who are unable to eat
• Collecting blood samples for laboratory testing
• Administering blood transfusions

IV starts can be performed by nurses, doctors, or other trained healthcare professionals. The procedure is generally safe and well-tolerated, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks and complications involved.

The following equipment is typically used for IV starts:

Iv Starts for Beginners: The Step By Step on How to Start an IV and Fix Intravenous (IV) Catheter Including 50+ Tips and Techniques on Intravenous (IV) Insertion For RN and Nurses

by Jim White

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	972 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	41 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

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• Catheter (IV catheter)
• Tourniquet
• Betadine or alcohol swab
• IV bag or syringe
• IV tubing
• IV pole
• Tape or bandage

The procedure for IV starts is as follows:

1. Prepare the patient. Explain the procedure to the patient and obtain their consent. Choose an appropriate vein and clean the insertion site with an alcohol swab or Betadine.
2. Apply a tourniquet. This will help to make the veins more visible and easier to insert the catheter.
3. Insert the catheter. Hold the catheter at a 15-degree angle and insert it into the vein. Advance the catheter gently until you feel resistance.
4. Secure the catheter. Tape or bandage the catheter in place to prevent it from moving.
5. Connect the IV tubing. Attach the IV tubing to the catheter and prime the line with IV fluid or medication.
6. Start the IV infusion. Open the IV clamp and adjust the flow rate as prescribed.

Once the IV start is in place, it is important to monitor the patient closely for any signs of complications. These may include:

• Pain or swelling at the insertion site
• Redness or induration around the insertion site
• Fever or chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Lightheadedness or dizziness

If any of these complications occur, it is important to stop the IV infusion and notify the nurse or doctor immediately.

IV starts are generally safe and well-tolerated, but there are some potential complications that can occur. These include:

• Infection: This is the most common complication of IV starts. It can occur when bacteria enter the bloodstream through the insertion site.
• Thrombophlebitis: This is a condition in which the vein becomes inflamed and thrombosed (clotted).
• Extravasation: This occurs when the IV fluid or medication leaks out of the vein into the surrounding tissue.
• Air embolism: This is a rare but serious complication that can occur when air enters the bloodstream through the IV line.

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent complications from IV starts. These include:

• Using aseptic technique when inserting the catheter
• Choosing an appropriate vein and insertion site
• Securing the catheter in place properly
• Monitoring the patient closely for any signs of complications

IV starts are a common and essential procedure in healthcare settings. They can be used to deliver medications, fluids, or blood products to patients who cannot take them orally. IV starts are generally safe and well-tolerated, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks and complications involved and to take steps to prevent them.

Iv Starts for Beginners: The Step By Step on How to Start an IV and Fix Intravenous (IV) Catheter Including 50+ Tips and Techniques on Intravenous (IV) Insertion For RN and Nurses

by Jim White

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	972 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	41 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE