How to Initiate an Intravenous Catheter

In the medical field IV's are used for many things such as hydration, administrating medications, and dialysis treatment . ( Do not attempt without proper education ).

Supplies

• Gloves
• Tourniquet
• 20 gauge IV catheter
• Alcohol prep
• 10 ml saline flush
• Tegaderm film
• Extension tubing

Step 1: Perform Hand Hygiene

• Wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds and then apply clean gloves

Step 2: Apply Tourniquet

• Apply tourniquet with a quick release method
• Select and palpate the appropriate vein

Step 3: Alcohol Prep

• Cleanse the area with the alcohol wipe, using a gentle, but firm back and forth motion
• Allow the skin to dry completely
• Do not touch insertion site after cleaning the skin

Step 4: Anchor the Vein

• Using non-dominant hand hold the skin taut about 1-2 inches below puncture site and anchor vein
• anchoring the vein prevents it from rolling when inserting the catheter

Step 5: Insert Catheter

• Align the IV catheter with the vein, with bevel side up
• At a 10-15 degree angle, puncture the skin
• Advance needle until you see blood return
• Advance the catheter into the vein and retract the needle

Step 6: Stabilizing the Catheter

• Release the tourniquet
• Attach the extension tubing to the end of the catheter
• Attach saline syringe to end of extension tubing
• Pull back for blood return then flush with the saline syringe
• Remove syringe and close the tubing clamp

Step 7: Place Tegaderm

• Place the tegaderm over the IV insertion site
• Place a piece of tape over extension tubing
• Put initials, date, and time on white part of tegaderm