Lecture: How to Start an IV

Introduction

• Host: Kristen
• Patient: Zach
• Objective: Demonstrate how to start an IV

Step-by-Step Procedure

Initial Interaction

• Introduce yourself to the patient
  • Example: "Hi Zach, I'm going to be your nurse today. My name's Kristen."
• Explain the procedure to the patient
  • Example: "We're going to be starting an IV on you today..."

Gather Materials

• Gloves
• Gauze
• Sterile saline
• IV loop
• IV catheter
• IV start kit (includes tape, tourniquet, alcohol prep, tegaderm)

Prepare IV Loop

• Open the IV loop
• Remove air from the tubing
  • Example: Push the bubble out until fluid drips out

Position the Patient

• Ensure the patient is comfortable
• Lay out the patient's arm
• Apply tourniquet
  • Ensure it is tight and has a quick release

Prepare Yourself

• Put on gloves
• Prepare tape and gauze

Finding a Vein

• Reapply tourniquet
• Examine the cubital area
  • This area is best for IVs and imaging

Cleaning the Area

• Use alcohol swab to clean the area
• Cleaning can help the vein plump up

Inserting the IV

• Uncap the IV, ensure the bevel is up
• Insert the IV while watching for blood fill in the canister
  • Indicates you are in the vein
• Insert the cannula further
• Remove the tourniquet and secure the IV with gauze
• Attach IV loop and push saline through
• Secure with tegaderm

Securing the IV

• Apply tegaderm without moving the cannula
• Check for blood return and patient comfort
• Use tape for additional security

Removing the IV

• Materials needed: gloves, gauze, tape
• Explain the process to the patient
  • Example: "This usually hurts more than the IV stick because you’re ripping tape off their skin."
• Stabilize catheter and remove tegaderm
• Apply gauze and then pressure while removing the IV
• Secure with tape

Conclusion

• IV is successfully inserted and removed
• Patient Zach is feeling better
• Encouragement to viewers
• Closing remarks