IV Therapy Bonus Cards, Illustration Credits

Phillips 15 Steps: Cannulation

Step 6: Needle selection

16 gauge: Trauma

18–20 gauge: Infusion of hypertonic or isotonic solutions, or blood products

22–24 gauge: Pediatric patients

22 gauge: Fragile veins in elderly

Step 7: Gloving

Standard precaution requires gloves to be worn during placement of an IV catheter

Step 8: Site preparation

Recommended to use 2% chlorhexidine gluconate; use 15–20 second scrub with friction; allow to dry

Step 9: Vein entry: Direct or indirect

Direct: One-step method

Indirect: Two-step method

Step 10: Catheter stabilization and dressing management

Catheter should be stabilized in a manner that does not interfere with visualization of site

Dressing: Transparent semipermeable membrane dressing (TSM)

Use stabilization device that is recommended by INS and CDC