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Cannula Guide

1. This document outlines the 24 step procedure for inserting an intravenous cannula, including preparing equipment, gaining consent, selecting an appropriate cannula, cleaning the insertion site, inserting the cannula, securing it with a dressing, and documenting the procedure. 2. Key steps include choosing the smallest appropriate cannula gauge, assessing the patient's veins and selecting a suitable one, cleaning the insertion site with chlorhexidine, and attaching a needle-free device to the cannula instead of a plain white cap. 3. The procedure must be followed precisely and documented completely, as cannula insertions are audited monthly to ensure all steps are adhered to properly.

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77 views

Cannula Guide

1. This document outlines the 24 step procedure for inserting an intravenous cannula, including preparing equipment, gaining consent, selecting an appropriate cannula, cleaning the insertion site, inserting the cannula, securing it with a dressing, and documenting the procedure. 2. Key steps include choosing the smallest appropriate cannula gauge, assessing the patient's veins and selecting a suitable one, cleaning the insertion site with chlorhexidine, and attaching a needle-free device to the cannula instead of a plain white cap. 3. The procedure must be followed precisely and documented completely, as cannula insertions are audited monthly to ensure all steps are adhered to properly.

Uploaded by

incision
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1. Prepare and assemble all equipment.

2. Explain the procedure and gain consent. Consent can be given orally or by
co-operation (RCN 2010).

3. Check patient’s identification (Hospital number on wristband, Name &


DOB).

4. Wash and dry hands as per trust policy prior to commencement of


procedure.

5. Non sterile gloves and a disposable apron should be worn.

6. Use the cannula selection guide to select a suitable cannula pack based on
vein type and treatment to be administered. Always select smallest gauge
possible (Macklin & Chernecky 2004)

Cannula Gauge Colour Flow rate mls/min Flow rate litres/hr


22 Blue 42 2.5
20 Pink 67 4
18 Green 103 6.2
16 Gray 236 14.2
14 Orange 270 16.2

7. Assess both upper limbs and choose a suitable vein. Veins in the lower
extremities (feet, legs) should not be used routinely due to risk of
thrombus (INS 2006).

8. Wash and dry hands as per trust policy.


9. Open the cannula pack using Aseptic Non Touch Technique.

10. Apply disposable tourniquet to the selected arm (tight enough to impede
venous flow but not too tight as to affect arterial flow) and palpate for an
appropriate vein. N.B. The use of a rubber glove or hands as a tourniquet
is strictly prohibited.

11. Clean the skin at the intended insertion site with 2% Chlorhexidine in 70%
alcohol for 30 seconds and allow to dry. Do not touch or re-palpate the
vein after skin cleansing.

12. Insert the cannula with the bevel up and observe for flashback. If
successful, advance the cannula keeping the stylet still.

13. Release the tourniquet before removing the needle to avoid bruising

14. Apply digital pressure to the vein above the cannula tip and remove the
stylet and place in sharps bin immediately

15. ATTACH PRIMED NEEDLE FREE DEVICE TO CANNULA – do not connect plain
white cap!!

OR

16. Secure the cannula with a sterile, permeable, semi-transparent cannula


dressing which enables clear observation of the insertion site. The ‘tram
lines’ secure each wing horizontally and should not obstruct the view of the
insertion site.
17. Write the date of insertion on the cannula.

18. A competently trained practitioner in IV therapy must then flush the


cannula using a 10ml syringe and 5mls of 0.9% Normal saline (ENSURE THIS
IS PRESCRIBED).

19. The flush must be drawn up using a blunt fill needle. Flush via the needle
free device.

20. Dispose of all sharps in accordance with trust policy

21. Disposal of waste in accordance with trust policy using yellow bag in the
pack

22. Decontaminate hands according to trust policy

23. NB Should you fail to cannulate after two attempts you must escalate to a
more experienced colleague or doctor.

24. Complete the brightly coloured sticker from the cannula pack and put
into the medical notes immediately. You MUST inform the Nurse of the
insertion so they can document on the VitalPac.

CANNULA AUDITS ARE CONDUCTED MONTHLY. EVERY CANNULA MUST


ADHERE TO THE ABOVE PROCESSES INCLUDING NEEDLE FREE DEVICE
ATTACHMENT, DRESSING PLACEMENT AND DOCUMENTATION.

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