How to take good care of the indwelling needle?

In pediatric infusion, intravenous indwelling needles are widely used. Some parents have many questions about indwelling needles, such as: What is an indwelling needle? How to protect an active baby's indwelling needle? Let's learn about indwelling needles together!

What is an IV catheter?

Intravenous indwelling needle, also known as intravenous cannula needle. The core components include a soft catheter/cannula that can be indwelled in the blood vessel, and a stainless steel puncture guide needle core. When in use, the catheter and the needle core are punctured into the blood vessel together. When the catheter is completely in the blood vessel, the needle core is withdrawn, leaving only the soft catheter in the blood vessel for infusion therapy.

What are the advantages of an indwelling needle?

1. Protect blood vessels and reduce the pain and fear caused by repeated venipuncture in babies.

2. Reduce the occurrence of drug leakage during infusion, reduce the stimulation of drugs on blood vessels, and protect the baby's blood vessels.

3. Keeping the infusion flow unobstructed will help rescue critically ill children.

4. Some drugs are infused 2-3 times a day. The indwelling needle can facilitate the reasonable arrangement of infusion time and ensure the efficacy of the drug.

Precautions for using indwelling needles

1. During the use of the indwelling needle, you can move around appropriately but avoid strenuous exercise and do not tear off the tape or dressing.

2. Prevent children from touching the components of the indwelling needle. If the indwelling needle is on the head, do not press on the side of the puncture needle when sleeping. Wear gloves on the baby's hands to prevent the baby from pulling out the needle by himself.

3. If the indwelling needle is in the foot, put a soft pillow between the legs and keep the feet apart when sleeping to prevent the baby from kicking the indwelling needle.

4. If the indwelling needle is on the back of your hand, do not use the hand with the injection to support the bed when you get up.

5. Keep the dressing dry. Wrap the indwelling needle and puncture site tightly with plastic wrap or plastic bag when washing hands or taking a bath to prevent the indwelling needle from getting wet.

What should I do if blood returns to the indwelling needle?

It is normal for a little blood to return to the indwelling needle. Parents do not need to worry too much. The nurse will inject physiological saline solution into the baby to seal the tube after the infusion every day. This is to prevent the tube from being blocked after the blood returns. If you find blood returning to the indwelling needle, please find a nurse to help you solve it in time.

Tips for protecting the indwelling needle

After the infusion is completed, parents can cover the indwelling needle with socks or a mesh head cover, or use an elastic bandage to protect it. When using socks, it is best to turn the socks inside out to prevent the thread inside from getting caught on the indwelling needle.

When putting on or taking off clothes, put on the sleeve on the side with the indwelling needle first, then put on the other side; when taking off clothes, take off the side without the indwelling needle first, then take off the other side.

What should I do if the indwelling needle falls off?

Don't be nervous. Press the needle removal site with a sterile cotton swab or sterile dressing for about 3-5 minutes until the bleeding stops. Do not soak the needle hole in water on the day of needle removal. If you find swelling, redness, etc. at the needle removal site, please tell the nurse in time for treatment.

Source: Chongqing Banan District Second People's Hospital

Audit experts: Zhang Ling, Jin Gang

Statement: Except for original content and special notes, some pictures are from the Internet. They are not for commercial purposes and are only used as popular science materials. The copyright belongs to the original authors. If there is any infringement, please contact us to delete them.