This document provides information on peripheral venous cannulation, including indications, anatomy, patient preparation, vein assessment, cannula selection and insertion, ongoing care, potential complications, and documentation. Peripheral venous cannulation involves inserting a small plastic catheter into a peripheral vein in the arm or hand to administer fluids or medications. It is used for short term intermittent or continuous drug therapy, fluid infusion, blood transfusions, and emergency drug administration. Proper technique and ongoing monitoring are important to prevent complications like extravasation, hematoma, phlebitis, venous spasm, occlusion, and thrombophlebitis.
This document provides information on peripheral venous cannulation, including indications, anatomy, patient preparation, vein assessment, cannula selection and insertion, ongoing care, potential complications, and documentation. Peripheral venous cannulation involves inserting a small plastic catheter into a peripheral vein in the arm or hand to administer fluids or medications. It is used for short term intermittent or continuous drug therapy, fluid infusion, blood transfusions, and emergency drug administration. Proper technique and ongoing monitoring are important to prevent complications like extravasation, hematoma, phlebitis, venous spasm, occlusion, and thrombophlebitis.
• A relaxed patient is generally easier to cannulate
• Assess site suitability
Vein Assessment
• Distal vein first above previous sites
• Easily palpable with good capillary refill
• Patient preference
• Opposite to surgical procedure or injury
Veins to Avoid • Veins in the lower extremities • Points of flexion • Sclerosed veins • Limbs affected by clinical condition E.g. Stroke • Limbs affected by surgery • Infected sites or Broken skin • Burning sites Equipment • ????? Cannula Selection Gauge Max Flow Rate Colour Common Application Used in Theatres or emergency for rapid 14G 345 ml/min Orange transfusion of blood or fluids Used in Theatres or emergency for rapid 16G 210 ml/min Grey transfusion of blood or viscous fluids Blood Transfusions, Rapid infusion of 17G 105 ml/min White large volumes of viscous liquids Blood Transfusions, Rapid infusion of 18G 95 ml/min Green large volumes of fluids Blood Transfusions, Rapid infusion of 20G 61 ml/min Pink large volumes of fluids Blood Transfusions, Most medications 22G 35 ml/min Blue and fluids Medications, short term infusions, fragile 24G 22 ml/min Yellow veins and neonatal care Adapted from Doughety and Lamb, 1999 Cannula Selection • Use appropriate cannula gauge for the size of the vein selected and the treatment required Insertion Standard • Decontaminate hands before, after & point of care • Personal protective equipment: Clean gloves and apron. • Intact packaging and expiry dates • Decontaminate skin with alcohol • Dressing: Clean, dry, intact • Documentation Ongoing Care • Assess cannula site at least every 8 hours
• Review clinical indication
• Re-site cannula at 72 hours (trust dependant)
• Ensure dressing is clean, dry and intact
Potential complications • Extravasation • Haematoma • Phlebitis • Venous Spasm • Occlusion • Thrombophlebitis Extravasation The infiltration of a drug from an I.V. line into surrounding tissue. Causes • Catheter erodes through the vessel wall at a second point, • When a needle pulls out of the vein Signs & Symptoms • Oedema and changes in the site's appearance • Coolness of the skin. • Slowing of infusion • Pain or a feeling of tightness around the site. Intervention • Remove cannula • Elevate affected arm • Apply ice pack (early) or warm compress (late) Haematoma Localized collection of extravasated blood, usually clotted, in an organ or tissue. Cause • Blood leaking out of the vein into the tissue due to puncture or trauma Signs & Symptoms • Swelling, tenderness and discolouration Prevention • Proper device insertion •Pressure over site on removal of cannula Intervention • Apply appropriate pressure bandage, monitor the siteA localized Phlebitis Inflammation of the vein Cause • Poor aseptic technique • Trauma to the vein during insertion/incorrect cannula gauge • Prolonged use of the same site Signs & Symptoms • Tenderness, redness, heat and oedema Intervention • Remove cannula • Apply warm compress • Observe for signs of infection • If phlebitis is advanced antibiotics may be required Venous spasm Spasm of the vein wall (vasoconstriction is the narrowing of blood vessels, typically when the muscles of blood vessel walls become constricted, causing the vessel lumen to become smaller. Vasoconstriction can be a reaction to cold, stress, cigarette smoking, medications, or underlying medical conditions, Cause • Patient anxiety • Cold I.V. fluids Intervention • Drug irritation • Apply a warm compress Signs & Symptoms • Slow the infusion rate • Pain • Reassure the patient • Slowing of the I.V. infusion • Vein difficult to palpate Occlusion Slowing or cessation of fluid infusion due to: • Fibrin formation in or around the tip of the cannula •Mechanical occlusion (kink) of the cannula Cause • Cannula not flushed • Kinking of the cannula • Back flow or interrupted flow Signs & Symptoms Intervention • I.V. not running • Check for kinks in cannula • Blood in the line • Raise IV higher • Discomfort • Remove cannula Thrombophlebitis Formation of a thrombus and inflammation in the vein, usually occurs after phlebitis. Cause • Injury to the vein • Infection • Chemical irritation •Prolonged use of the same vein Intervention Signs & Symptoms • Remove cannula • Tenderness/redness • Observe for signs of infection • Heat/oedema • Change cannula frequently (48- 72hrs) • Slowing of the IV infusion STOP! CHECK. FAIL! Documentation