My three rules for IV starts
Bouncy
Straight
Don’t rely on sight
Straight out of school, making a name for yourself on the floor. Quickest way to do that is to be “a good stick”
Tourniquette
Light
Deep breath
What does Bouncy mean?
Palpate the top of the vein with your index finger. Does it spring back? If it does you have a great one
Do not rely on sight alone. Veins can be tricky. They are the first things to respond to stress when a patient is scared (fight or flight) so when a pt says
“I got them rolling veins”
Everyone does. It’s part of the body protecting itself.
Make sure your elbows can be somewhat supported, have the patient turn themselves towards you at an easier angle.
Warn the patient and start the
“I…2…3 poke
You should have “flashback” right away.
As soon as you feel the catheter is in a great spot, withdraw the needle bringing the safety over it!
Occlude your blood flow and screw on your extension set or clave.
Look at you go IV goddess !
