A P R I L 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 1 2 9
A
n IV start should be
a little pinch, not a
big ouch, a minor
procedure, not a major
ordeal. Patients dread
surgery's necessary evil —
and your nurses might, too.
Here are expert tips to get it
right on the first try to avoid
having to stick the patient
multiple times.
Put patients at ease
Your first attempt at
the IV start may very well
be your best chance of suc-
cess. Once you miss a vein,
the odds diminish with
each subsequent attempt. Make patients comfortable before pro-
ceeding with the IV, says Denise Gallagher, RN, BSN, a retired nurse
with more than 10 years' experience on IV teams throughout her
career.
Laying patients down allows them to settle in and relaxes them and
can make for better blood flow to the vein. By consistently using this
position, you get used to the same angle of holding and inserting your
catheter, says Ms. Gallagher.
"Also ask the patient not to watch. Explain that by lifting their head
1
Don't Let the Little Pinch Become a Big Ouch
Simple strategies to start IVs right the first time — every time.
IV Tips & Tricks
Mike Morsch | Associate Editor
• AVOID THE OWIE Take steps to make your IV starts as painless as
possible for the patient.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
