Perform intravenous cannulation
Overview
This standard relates specifically to the insertion of intravenous cannula to facilitate access to the blood system for treatment or diagnostic purposes. Access may be required for serial sampling, or for administration of fluid or drug treatments. This procedure may be performed with adults or children and will usually take place in hospital with individuals receiving health care. It may also take place in a therapeutic, research or emergency situation.
Users of this standard will need to communicate effectively to meet individuals' needs and wishes and work in line with health and safety legislation, policy and practices.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1. identify and agree the roles and responsibilities of yourself and/or others in performing intravenous cannulation
P2. provide support to the individual, ensuring that you respect their rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs and dignity
P3. apply standard precautions for infection prevention and control and other relevant health and safety measures
P4. determine the individual's need or clinical request for cannulation against agreed protocol
P5. check the individual's identity, establish consent and confirm the planned activity
P6. seek clinical advice and support from an appropriate member of the team when events or risks are beyond your level of competence
P7. select an appropriate site for cannulation, taking account of individual's comfort and the clinical indication for cannulation
P8. prepare the selected site for aseptic insertion of the intravenous cannula following agreed protocol, administering the appropriate local anaesthetic if prescribed
P9. correctly position and use a tourniquet to engorge the selected vein with blood
P10. select the cannula of correct size and type for individual and purpose, ensuring it is fit for use
P11. insert the cannula into the selected vein using the approved technique and confirm correct siting, positioning and patency of cannula for the intended purpose
P12. apply an approved dressing to fix the cannula in position
P13. where appropriate, flush the cannula when in situ according to organisational protocols and guidelines
P14. attach and secure the correct giving set where infusion is required following approved procedures, including connection to a contrast media pump
P15. immediately take appropriate action, including reporting any condition or behaviour which may signify adverse reactions to the procedure
P16. observe and maintain the cannulation site at regular intervals to avoid extravasation injuries, infection and maintain access
P17. complete all relevant documentation required for performing intravenous cannulation
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions, legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols needed to perform intravenous cannulation
K2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
K3. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
K4. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
K5. the needs of individuals including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
K6. the importance of applying standard infection control precautions to performing intravenous cannulation and the potential consequences of poor practice
K7. current evidence based practice related to the management of risks associated with the insertion of intravenous cannulae
K8. the importance of maintaining strict asepsis when preparing, inserting and managing intravenous cannulae
K9. the anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system in relation to the insertion and maintenance of intravenous cannulae
K10. the importance of correct preparation and positioning of individuals for insertion of intravenous cannulae
K11. the indications and reasons for intravenous cannulation
K12. potential sites for insertion of intravenous cannulae and how to identify the most suitable for the individual within your work area
K13. the factors influencing the choice of cannulae and the site for intravenous cannulation
K14. the importance of limb immobilisation prior to the insertion of intravenous cannulae
K15. the importance of appropriate skin preparation, including the use of depilatory cream if required
K16. the importance, and approved methods, of controlling and stopping blood flow prior to intravenous cannulation
K17. the possible adverse reactions to or complications from the insertion of intravenous cannulae
K18. the actions you will need to take in the event of adverse reactions to the insertion of intravenous cannulae
K19. the importance of and the methods of cleaning and maintaining the cannula site following insertion of cannulae
K20. the clinical indications of infection in the insertion site and the actions you would take if signs of infection or extravasation are apparent
K21. the implications of introducing fluids into the circulatory system when flushing cannula
K22. the approved methods of checking the patency of inserted cannula
K23. the procedures for preparing fluids for administration including drug additions
K24. the potential complications associated with fluid administration
K25. the different types of giving sets available in your work area and the circumstances when each may be used
K26. the uses and potential hazards associated with the use of infusion pumps, pressure injectors or other administration devices
K27. the types of cannulae and the range of sizes available
K28. the types of medicines in your work area and their characteristics, indications and contra-indications
K29. the different types of infusion pumps or administration devices available in your work area and the circumstances when they may be used
K30. the importance of correctly recording your activities including type of cannula inserted and intravenous fluids administered
K31. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements