(4) The leg and foot veins may be used on children because these vessels
are not sclerosed.
(5)
Scalp veins are used in infants.
3-10. PRINCIPLES OF INTRAVENOUS THERAPY
a. Check all bottles or bags of infusion solution for these specific requirements
and discard any that show:
(1)
A broken vacuum seal.
(2)
Cloudiness.
(3)
(4)
b. Always, use sterile equipment and wash your hands thoroughly.
c. Disinfect the patient's skin at and around the injection site. Apply antiseptic
solution using friction at and around the venipuncture site.
d. For long term therapy patients.
(1) Change the injection site every 48 to 72 hours (to lessen the possibility
of infection and/or irritation to the vein), or in accordance with (IAW) local standing
operating procedures (SOP).
(2) Replace the tubing and solution bottle (or bag) every 24 hours (to avoid
infusing a contaminated solution) or IAW local SOP.
(3)
Take precautions if vein irritation or thrombophlebitis is possible.
(a) Plastic catheters are more likely to cause irritation than stainless
steel needles.
(b) Use the smallest gauge needle or catheter possible.
(c) Use the shortest infusion time possible. Irritation is much more
likely after 48 hours of intravenous therapy.
(d) Veins of the lower extremities (in adults) are more likely to develop
phlebitis (and quicker) than those of the upper extremities.
(e) Do not irrigate a stopped infusion. You may dislodge an obstructive
clot and endanger the patient's life.
MD0564
3-8