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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 | O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E
IDEAS
That Work
NEEDLE POINT
Give Your IV Needles a Slight Bend
W
hen you're preparing to start an IV, bend the needle slightly,
just about 15 degrees or so. This curve will let you slip the
needle into the vein much easier, because the needle will
follow the vein wall without piercing through the other side of the
vein, as straight needles are likely to do. It also makes it easier for the
catheter to slide off once it's been threaded into the vein. Be sure to
make the bend while the cap is still on, though, to prevent the risk of
a sharps injury.
Rich Taylor, MSN, RN, QDDP
Willmar (Minn.) Surgical Center
rtaylor@acmc.com
ANOTHER APPROACH A curved IV needle offers easier placement.
