When to place a catheter
If a course of drips or frequent intravenous injections is prescribed, the catheter eliminates the need to puncture the vein every time. It is a thin flexible tube that remains in the vein and is secured with a bandage. In addition to convenience, this protects the veins: repeated punctures lead to their trauma and phlebitis. The peripheral catheter is used for up to 72–96 hours, after which it is changed or placed in another vein. You need to monitor the installation site: redness, swelling, pain and leakage are reasons to immediately inform the nurse and remove the catheter.
Treatment room work
The treatment room carries out doctor's orders: injections and infusions, installation of venous catheters, lavages, enemas, monitoring of vital indicators. Everything is done with sterile disposable instruments - this fundamentally distinguishes the procedure in the clinic from an injection “at home” without observing asepsis.
The nurse works strictly according to the prescription sheet: without it, the procedure is not performed, since the dose, frequency and method of administration are the doctor’s area of responsibility.
What is important for the patient to know
- report allergies to drugs and latex
- do not come on an empty stomach if you plan to receive an IV
- After the infusion, do not rush to leave - reactions are possible during the first 10–15 minutes
- Do not wet or rub the injection site during the first hours