Pre-Procedure Care

Thorough Assessment:

• Review of patient’s medical history

• Assessment of current medications and potential interactions with the treatment

• Assessment of hydration status and condition of the patient’s blood vessels

Preparation:

• Explanation of the procedure and what to expect

• Listening to concerns/anxieties

• Assuring patient comfort with regard to the bed position and the environment

Vein Selection:

• The most appropriate vein is carefully inspected.

• Warming techniques with the use of heat in case the veins are not very visible.

• The use of a tourniquet to engorgement of the vein.

During IV Cannulation

Aseptic Technique:

• Hand hygiene performed using an alcohol hand sanitizer or surgical scrubbing.

• Sterile gloves and equipment

• Cleansing the skin properly with chlorhexidine or alcohol swabs.

Gentle Insertion:

• Use of the smallest appropriate size catheter to minimize discomfort

• Good insertion technique for the reduced risk of vein damage

• Verbal communication with the patient throughout the procedure

Stable Placement:

• Fixing the catheter to prevent movement

• Covering with sterile transparent dressing for easy inspection

• Labelling of IV site with date and time of insertion

Intravenous Therapy Administration

Medication Preparation:

• Accuracy check of medication orders twice

• Sterile preparation of medications or IV fluids

• Work in a laminar flow hood as necessary when working with some medications

Infusion Management:

• Prime IV tubing as necessary to remove air

• Set infusion pumps correctly

• Monitor the infusion rate and volume regularly

Monitoring:

• Vital signs frequent during therapy

• Monitor for adverse reactions

• Fluid balance and electrolytes as indicated

Ongoing Care

Monitoring of Site:

• Hourly to 4-hourly IV site inspection depending on medication

• Monitor for infiltration, phlebitis, or infection

• Address complications promptly

Catheter Care:

• Flush line regularly with NS or heparin per order

• Replace IV tubing and dressings as necessary

• Rotate IV sites as necessary to avoid irritation to veins

Patient Comfort:

• Keep arm positioned appropriately to avoid strain

• Provide pillows or arm boards to support arm during prolonged infusions

• Address discomfort or pain

Manage Complications

Infiltration/Extravasation:

• Stop infusion immediately if it is suspected

• Application of appropriate hot or cold compresses

• Administration of antidotes if necessary (e.g., hyaluronidase for some medications)

Phlebitis:

• Removal of the IV catheter if phlebitis occurs

• Application of warm compresses to lessen the inflammation

• Monitor and document affected area

Infection Control:

• Following infection prevention protocols strictly

• Catheter removal if suspicion of infection arises

• Collaborating with physicians in antibiotic therapy as necessary

Patient Education and Empowerment

Self-Monitoring:

• Teaching patients recognition of signs of complications

• Encourage the patient to report discomfort or changes

• Activity with an IV in place

• Maintaining hygiene, keeping the IV site clean

Home Care Instructions:

• Detailed instructions given to the patient to continue IV therapy at home

• Provide emergency contact information

Post-Therapy Care

Proper Discontinuation:

• Gently remove the IV catheter using aseptic technique

• Apply pressure to prevent bleeding

• Discard used equipment properly

Site Care:

• Apply sterile dressing after the catheter is removed

• Instructions for site care for the next several days

Follow-Up:

• Arrangement of follow-up visits as needed

• Coordination with primary care physician for further care

Our mode of approach to intravenous cannulation and intravenous therapy at Golden Hand Home Nursing is holistic, patient-centered, and oriented toward the delivery of the highest standards of care possible. This combined technical expertise expresses human compassion and ensures that each patient receives safe, effective, and comfortable IV therapy within the comfortable surroundings of their own home.

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