Intravenous Catheter Insertion
Category: Intravenous Therapy
Overview
Insertion of a flexible catheter into a peripheral vein to provide venous access for fluid and medication administration.
Indications
Fluid resuscitation, medication administration, blood sampling, contrast media injection, emergency venous access.
Contraindications
Infection at insertion site, severe edema, burns, arteriovenous fistula, previous phlebitis at site.
Equipment Needed
IV catheter (appropriate gauge), tourniquets, alcohol swabs, gauze, tape, IV fluids/tubing, gloves, transparent dressing.
Procedure Steps
1. Verify order and explain procedure to patient
2. Perform hand hygiene and don gloves
3. Select appropriate vein (hand, forearm, antecubital)
4. Apply tourniquet 4-6 inches above insertion site
5. Palpate vein to assess size and direction
6. Cleanse site with alcohol using circular motion
7. Stabilize vein with non-dominant hand
8. Insert catheter at 15-30 degree angle with bevel up
9. Watch for blood return in catheter hub
10. Advance catheter into vein while removing stylet
11. Release tourniquet and connect IV tubing
12. Secure catheter with tape and transparent dressing
13. Label with date, time, and catheter gauge
14. Document insertion and assess patency
Safety Considerations
Use appropriate PPE. Never recap needles. Select smallest gauge catheter for intended use. Assess for infiltration regularly. Use sterile technique during insertion.
Potential Complications
Infiltration, phlebitis, infection, nerve damage, arterial puncture, hematoma, thrombosis, embolism.
Documentation
Record catheter type and gauge, insertion site, number of attempts, patient tolerance, and initial IV fluid or medication administered.
References
Infusion Nurses Society. (2021). Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice, 8th Edition. Journal of Infusion Nursing, 44(1S), S1-S224.