How to Insert an IV
Inserting an intravenous line is one of the basic techniques a licensed health care provider should learn how to do. Depending on the policies of the health care institution that you’re working for, you might not be allowed to perform this procedure unless you’ve acquired an IV therapy license.
For health care students and newly registered health care professionals, this guide will help refresh your knowledge on how to insert an IV line.
Equipment
Gloves
Alcohol swab or betadine solution for cleaning the injection site
Tourniquet
Tape
IV bag
Handwashing
It’s very important to follow this universal precaution before doing any procedure. (Tips on how to wash your hands properly)
Priming the IV Line
Unpack your materials.
Remove the caps of your tubing and IV bag.
Make sure that the regulating clamp is closed.
Hold the IV bag upside down. The area where you should connect the tubing to the bag should be on top.
Insert the pointed end of the IV tubing in the IV bag.
Lift the IV bag so that the area where you spiked the IV tubing is at the bottom.
Hang the IV bag on the IV pole.
Pinch the drip chamber and release immediately to fill it half way with the IV fluid.
Fully open the regulating clamp, releasing a small amount of IV fluid. This will remove any air bubbles trapped in the tubing.
Close the regulating clamp after priming.
Preparation
Assemble the equipment on the patient’s bed side table.
Explain the procedure and the purpose of an IV line.
Make sure that the catheter is in good condition. Never use a previously opened package as it may already by contaminated.
Don gloves.
Skin Preparation
Assess and determine where you’ll make an IV line.
Place a tourniquet on the area distal to your insertion site.
Assess the vein where you’ll insert the needle.
Clean your insertion site using an alcohol swab, betadine solution or the cleaning agent required by your institution.
Use a circular motion starting from the inner area going outward when cleaning the insertion site.
Inserting the IV
Using your non-dominant hand, pull the skin so that the vein is visible.
Insert the needle with the bevel up.
Gradually decrease the angle as you insert the needle.
Check for a back flow of blood.
Once you see blood, insert the needle another centimeter further.
Apply pressure over the insertion site with your non-dominant hand and slowly pull the needle using your dominant hand.
Secure the catheter into place. Make sure not to cover the connection for the IV tubing.
Remove the tourniquet.
Discard the needle in the sharp container. Never recap needles.
Connecting the IV Line
Insert the tubing into the port.
Secure the tubing with the lock.
Open the regulating clamp.
If there are no order for a specific flow rate, keep the rate on KVO, which is usually 10-12 gtts/minute. Consult your institution’s manual as you might follow a different flow rate.
Secure the tubing with tapes. Be sure that there are no kinks or obstruction on the tubing.
Document the procedure, flow rate and patient’s initial assessment.
Following the correct procedure for inserting an IV is very important. Complications may arise because of improper placement of an intravenous line. Always assess your patient and the IV line before and after the procedure. Don’t forget to document all the steps you performed. If you learn from reading this article, you’ll surely be interested in learning how to insert a suppository.