Cannulisation is a common procedure performed by nurses in healthcare settings. It involves the insertion of a cannula, a thin tube, into a vein for purposes such as administering medication or fluids. While it is a routine procedure, it carries some risks such as infection, infiltration, and extravasation. As such, it is essential for nurses to be proficient in cannulisation procedures to minimise these risks and promote patient safety. In this article, you will find more information on risk-free cannulisation practices for nurses.
1. Adhere to hand hygiene guidelines
Before any medical procedure, including cannulisation, it is essential to perform hand hygiene. It reduces the risk of infection, which is a potential complication of cannulisation. Use soap and water, or alcohol-based hand rubs as recommended. Also, ensure that you follow the recommended time for hand hygiene to be effective.
2. Use aseptic technique
For any invasive procedure, including cannulisation, aseptic technique should always be used. This technique aims to minimise the risk of infection by eliminating or reducing the number of microorganisms that may cause infection. Ensure that you clean the skin with an antiseptic solution before cannulisation and use sterile gloves and equipment for the procedure.
3. Select the appropriate cannula size
The size of the cannula chosen for the procedure should be appropriate for the patient's age, size and the purpose of cannulisation. Using a cannula that is too small can result in infiltration, while selecting one that is too large can lead to extravasation or pain. Before cannulisation, assess the patient's veins carefully to select the best option. Discover more on the steps you should take before cannulisation.
4. Monitor the cannula site
After cannulisation, it is important to monitor the cannula's insertion site regularly to identify any signs of infiltration or extravasation. Promote early detection and treatment of such conditions to prevent further complications. Also, ensure that the cannula site is clean, dry and appropriately dressed.
Conclusion
Cannulisation is a common procedure performed by nurses in healthcare settings. However, it carries some risks such as infection, infiltration and extravasation. Adhering to hand hygiene guidelines, using aseptic techniques, selecting the appropriate cannula size and regularly monitoring the cannula site can minimise these risks and promote patient safety. By following these risk-free cannulisation practices, nurses can provide efficient and safe patient care. Check out this post for more details related to this article: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/cannulate.
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