STARTING AN INTRAVENOUS LINE (IV)

On this topic:

  • How to place a peripheral intravenous catheter.

  • How to prepare, maintain and troubleshoot an intravenous catheter.

Catheters can range in size from 26 to 14 Gauge. The higher the number, the smaller the size. Gauge is simply the size of measurement used.

Written by: Alex

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Placing an IV

Catheters can range in size from 26 to 14 Gauge. The higher the number, the smaller the size. Gauge is simply the size of measurement used.

Select the size you find most appropriate.

What you’ll need:

  • IV catheter

  • syringe

  • needle

  • Saline

  • Sterile gauze

  • Transparent film dressing (Such as 3M’s Tegaderm IV)

Maintaining an IV