Do you know all about IV CANNULA?

Isn’t it interesting to know color codings and different types of iv cannulas used in hospitals? The cannula is one of the most widely used instruments in hospitals.

An intravenous cannula is a thin tube that is inserted into a vein to administer medication, for the delivery or removal of fluid or the gathering of the sample.

There is a small color cap for the proper identification of the cannula.

Presently iv cannulas are available from sizes 14 gauge to 26 gauge with different color codings.

SMALLER the gauge, wider is the cannula and has a higher flow rate.

TRICK TO REMEMBER THE COLOR-CODING :

SIMPLE MNEMONIC

(OH GREAT GOD, PLEASE BLESS YOUR PEOPLE)orange,grey,green,pink,blue,yellow,purple.

16 GAUGE: (grey)

• Mostly used in ICUs or surgery areas.
• enables blood administration or rapid fluid administration.

18 GAUGE:(green)

• RAPID fluid replacement.
• Trauma
• Blood transfusion.

20 GAUGE:(pink)

• Better in the patient with a small vein.
• Rapid fluid replacement, trauma.
• Routine blood transfusions.
• Most infusions of medication.

22 GAUGE:(blue)

• MOST INFUSIONS
• Neonates, pediatrics used.
• Other adults.

24 GAUGE:(yellow)

• Used for pediatrics.
• Last resort as an iv in adults.

26 GAUGE:(purple)

• Pediatrics
• neonates.

HOW IS AN INSERTED?

1. Verify the name of the patient and ask about allergies.
2. Explain the procedure to the patient to relieve anxiety.
3. Wash hands properly and gloves.
4. Clean the skin of the patient with a gauze piece or a cotton swab. Use of antiseptic cleaning solution.
5. Use sterile cannula, insert in proper straight vein. A fine needle is removed after the plastic tube is in place.
6. Cover the iv site with a sterile dressing.
7. Write date & time on the dressing.                                                                           

WHEN SHOULD CANNULA BE REMOVED?

IT should be removed after 3 days to reduce the chances of infection. or as soon as there is no requirement.

THREE MAIN TYPES OF IV CANNULAS:

1. peripheral iv cannula
2. central line iv cannula
3. mid-line iv cannula

•   peripheral iv cannula: The most commonly used iv cannula, it is used in emergencies, surgical wards,      radio imaging areas.
• central line cannula: used for the patients who are undergoing long-term treatment & those who require medication or fluid to be administered over weeks or months. they help in the faster delivery of medicines for quick response. They are a good choice for transferring large amounts of blood. This cannula is inserted into the jugular vein located in the neck, subclavian vein, or femoral vein.
• midline catheters: They are considered a less invasive method and are most commonly used for drawing out blood samples or delivering contents. It is the perfect choice for those patients who are undergoing treatment that lasts for more than 5 days but less than a month. The iv tube is placed on a large vein in the upper part of the patient’s arm.

COMPLICATIONS OF IV CANNULATION:

• INFECTION-swelling, pain, fever
• Phlebitis-redness around the vein, pain, warmth, swelling.
• Extravasation- fluids leak in the surrounding vein which causes Burning sensation and swelling around the iv site.
• Air embolism-air bubble enters the vein. symptoms include a blue hue of skin, difficulty in breathing & Low blood pressure.

Hypervolemia-abnormal increase in blood volume.{increased heart rate}.