Lecture on IV Insertion Process

Initial Assessment

• Check doctor’s orders
• Verify type of IV and gauge/needle size
• Review patient’s history and diagnosis
• Check for allergies (e.g., latex, chlorexidine, beta-iodine, adhesive)

Gathering Materials

• IV start kit (includes color hexidine, dressing change label, tape, gauze, tourniquet)
• Adapter or clave with a cap (must be sterile)
• Alcohol prep pads
• Check expiration dates on all materials (needles, saline flush)

Entering Patient's Room

• Perform hand hygiene
• Knock on the door before entering
• Greet the patient, introduce yourself
• Perform a general survey (check for ABCs, bed safety)
• Verify patient identity (full name, date of birth)

Preliminary Patient Assessment

• Ask about any surgeries (mastectomy, lymphadectomy)
• Check for stents, fistulas, or previous strokes
• Determine preferred arm for IV insertion

Preparing for IV Insertion

• Raise bed to waist height and put in low Fowlers position
• Check patient’s arm for suitable insertion site (free of discoloration, bruises)
• Use tourniquet and have patient clench fist to make veins prominent
• Clean insertion site with alcohol prep pad (center-out motion)

IV Insertion Procedure

• Keep materials sterile; avoid contamination
• Prime the saline to remove air bubbles
• Attach clave cautiously
• Reapply tourniquet
• Insert needle bevel up, at 10-15 degrees angle
• Observe for blood flashback, advance the catheter
• Release tourniquet and dispose of needle in sharps container

Securing the IV

• Apply dressing, ensuring coverage and absence of air bubbles
• Attach and unclamp saline, flush catheter while clamping to create negative pressure
• Cap and secure tubing with tape without kinking

Final Steps

• Date, time, and initial the dressing
• Educate patient on signs of complications (infiltration, phlebitis, etc.)
• Ensure patient comfort and bed safety
• Provide patient with call light
• Clean up area and exit room professionally