How to Set Up an IV Drip Safely and Correctly

How to Set Up an IV Drip Safely and Correctly
Intravenous therapy is one of the most effective methods of administering fluid to a patient, whether it be blood, water, or a medicinal substance. Anyone working in the healthcare field should be able to set up an IV, a maneuver that should always be performed in a well-prepared medical environment.

Gather the materials


 This is a coat rack-like device that you hang the fluid bag from when preparing and administering it. If you can't find an IV pole and it's an emergency, you'll need to hang the bag from a spot above the patient's head so that gravity helps the fluid flow down into the person's veins.


Wash your hands . Turn on the faucet and lather your hands with soap and water. Start with your palms and work your way down to the back of your hands. Remember to clean between your fingers as well. The next step will be to clean your fingers and wrists. Finally, rinse thoroughly and pat your hands dry with a towel.
  • If there is no water source, rub your hands with a hydroalcoholic hand  sanitizer solution

 It's always important to double-check your doctor's instructions before you begin. Administering the wrong solution to a patient could put their life at risk, for example, if it causes an allergic reaction.
  • You should double-check that you are giving the drug to the right patient, on the right day and at the right time, that you are giving the right treatment in the right order and in the right quantity.
  • If you have any questions, you should ask the doctor before proceeding, so that you are 100% sure that you understand what you need to do.


 The infusion set consists of a tube and a connector that regulates the amount of fluid the patient receives. The macroset is used when the patient needs to receive 20 drops per minute or approximately 100 ml per hour. The macroset is generally used for adults  .
  • The microset is used to administer 60 drops of liquid per minute. It is typically used in babies, toddlers, and young children.
  • The size of the tube (and needle) also depends on the reason for administering the infusion. If it's an emergency situation where the patient needs to receive the fluid as quickly as possible, you'll likely choose a larger needle and tube to quickly administer the medication or blood fluid.
  • In less urgent situations, you might choose a smaller needle and tube.


 The higher the needle gauge, the smaller the needle size. 14 gauge is the largest needle and is generally used to treat symptoms of shock or trauma. 18-20 gauge is often used in adult patients. 22 gauge is used in pediatrics (on babies, toddlers, young children) or geriatrics

Gather the rest of your supplies  . This includes a tourniquet (to locate the vein you will insert the needle into), medical tape (to secure the equipment once the needle is inserted), alcohol swabs (to clean the equipment), and labels (to record the time of injection, the type of fluid, and the name of the person who performed the treatment). You should always wear gloves to protect yourself from exposure to bodily fluids and bloo


 When it's time to administer the infusion, you should have all the necessary equipment on hand. This will make the procedure faster and easier

Prepare the infusion


 Examine the bag and locate the entry point (it is located at the top of the bag and looks like a bottle cap). The entry point is also where the macroset or microset is inserted. Use an alcohol swab to sterilize the entry point and its immediate surroundings on the bag  .
  • If you're unsure how to assemble the IV bag, check the product for instructions. However, if you have any questions, stop what you're doing and find someone who can help.


 Check that the drip chamber is in place (this is the part of the tube that collects the fluid flowing into the patient's vein). This part of the device also allows medical staff to regulate the infusion to ensure the patient is receiving the correct amount.
  • Infusion pumps are often used to deliver a precise dose over a specific period of time.

 Check that the dropper chamber is half full. Once it's half full, let the fluid flow until it reaches the end of the tube (this helps get rid of any air bubbles trapped in the tube). Stop it once it reaches the end by bending the tube.
  • This is also called priming the tube. This is an essential step, because if an air bubble enters the patient's veins, their life is in danger.

 The IV is sterile (because it does not contain bad microorganisms). If the tube comes into contact with the floor, it could compromise the fluid being infused (in other words, bad microorganisms could get inside and infect the patient ).
  • If the tube touches the ground, you will need to prepare a new IV, as the contaminated one could harm the patient. Keep an eye on the tube so it does not touch the ground again.


Administer the infusion to the patient


 Be polite, introduce yourself, and inform them that you will be administering the infusion. It's a good idea to explain everything to your patient, such as the fact that it will be painful when the needle enters their skin. Try to describe the procedure so they know what to expect.


Position the patient and put on your gloves  . Have the patient sit or lie down on the bed or medical chair, whichever they prefer. Wash your hands again so they are definitely clean before putting on your gloves. This will also reassure the patient that you are concerned about their health and protecting them from unnecessary exposure to bacteria.
  • Lying down or sitting allows the patient to calm down and reduce pain. It also has the advantage of placing the patient in a stable position from which they will not be able to escape if they suddenly experience a psychological fear of needles.


 This is the tube-like structure that you insert at the same time as the needle, but which stays in place once you remove the needle. You should look for a vein on the non-dominant arm (the one the person does not write with). Look for a long, dark vein that you can easily see when inserting the needle  .
  • Start by looking for veins down the arm or even the back of the hand. Starting low enough will give you a better chance if you don't get the IV inserted correctly on your first try. If you need a second try, you'll need to do it higher up the arm, so starting low is a good idea as long as you locate a vein that's visible enough.
  • You might also want to look for a vein located in the crease where the forearm and upper arm meet. This is often the easiest place to insert an IV. However, if the patient bends their arm, it may block the IV.

Tie the tourniquet just above where you will insert the needle . Tie it in such a way that you will be able to untie it quickly. When you tie it, the vein forms a protrusion, making it easier to see and insert the needle.

 Clean the insertion area with an alcohol swab. Clean this area using small circular motions to get rid of as many microorganisms as possible. Let this area dry .
  • Do not wave your hand over this area to speed up drying, as this may spread bacteria. Instead, allow the alcohol to air dry.


 Position the cannula so that it is held at a 30-45° angle to the patient's arm and vein. Hold the cannula as you would a syringe, so you do not accidentally cross the vein. When you feel a "pop" and see dark blood appear inside the cannula, decrease the angle of insertion so that it is parallel to the patient's skin  . If this is the first time you are attempting this procedure, have supervision.
  • Push the cannula in another 2mm then attach the needle and push the rest of the cannula in a little further .
  • Remove the needle completely. Press down on the insertion site while connecting the tube to prevent the patient from bleeding.
  • Dispose of the needle in a suitable sharps container.
  • Finally, untie the tourniquet and clean the puncture site where the cannula exits the skin, using a hypoallergenic compress.

 To do this, slowly insert the tubing into the cannula until it connects securely. Check that the connection is secure. Slowly open the tubing to release the IV fluid so it can flow into the patient. You should also tape the tubing so it stays on the patient's arm.
  • Start by giving him normal saline to check that the IV is open and not blocked  . If you notice swelling in the surrounding tissues or other problems with fluid delivery, stop the saline injection immediately and remove the cannula. You will need to start the process again.
  • If the saline solution flows normally from the IV, you can continue by administering the substance specifically requested by the doctor.


 Regulate the infusion rate according to the doctor's instructions. In a clinic or hospital, the doctor usually requests a specific rate, for example, in ml per hour.
  • If you're in the field, you'll need to set the flow rate manually. The IV drip should have clamp rollers, and you'll need to count the number of drops per minute. Other IV drips have a knob you can turn to set the number of drops per minute, so you won't need to count.

 Monitor their heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and body temperature. Report any untoward symptoms. This could include rapid heart rate or breathing, difficulty breathing, hives, anaphylactic shock, or increased body temperature and blood pressure.

Advice

  • Always have an extra pair of sterile gloves on hand in case you touch something that is not sterilized and need to replace your gloves.
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