Comments on: 4 Sloppy IV Mistakes You Should Avoid

By: Daniel Garofalo

Daniel Garofalo — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:23:19 +0000

Just had an IV today for an Endoscopy test. I had 4 nurses try several veins, both arms. Most did everything that was discussed in your article. Painful at the time, however reading your article 10 hours later was kinda funny. I was able to recoup without any medical problems.

I asked each nurse if they wanted me to help or do anything, I was turned down . Finally, Nancy another nurse, found my AC, whatever that is, and on the first attempt started the IV. I thanked her and will always remember her name. All the nurses were great, I was just a Challenge with deep Veins and what they described as having muscle mass. I assured them it wasn’t muscle mass.

Thanks for a great article it was truely informative and entertaining.

By: Mary RN

Mary RN — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:33:31 +0000

Thanks for your website. It is great to share tips. I’ve been starting IV’s for about 25 years and it is always good to continue to improve. I agree with Duke, hand pumping and flicking the vein does help sometimes. I wouldn’t do those things on a routine basis. I loved reading ‘don’t blame the patients’ when the IV doesn’t go in the first time. That is rude! Even if it were true, not a nice thing to say! My addition, if I had a vein blow, I have had success not using a tourniquet on the second try, if you see a good vein. I do respectfully disagree on picking the site within 12 seconds. Probably that is necessary in emergency ambulance scenarios. If you are in the hospital setting and no emergency is happening. Take your time and find a good vein. This makes a huge difference. I have a good first stick success rate with carefully finding a good vein.

By: Duke Powell

Duke Powell — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:27:23 +0000

I’ve been starting IV’s for over 30 yrs working at a busy metro ambulance service. In my experience, hand pumping and “flicking” the vein with my finger works well.

In any event, very nice website. I’ve enjoyed my time here and will be back on a regular basis.

By: Scott

Scott — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 22:59:37 +0000

I want to add one.
Stop going straight for AC’s. Remember what you were taught in EMT – I or Paramedic class. Start Distal and work Proximal.
It agrivates me when somone ask for my advice on where to stick after missing or blowing an AC and the pt had ropes all below that site. Unless its a truama then by all means AC away

By: nurse831010

nurse831010 — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:05:36 +0000

@ Janet…Try not to generalize so much…There are great nurses, paramedics, EMTs out there that DO listen to our patients about their bodies. Unfortunately, the vein that was good yesterday may not be as good as another today…AND I assure you that most nurses don’t see finding a vein as a “sick challenge.” As a patient, it is always your right to ask someone to stop what they are doing or ask for someone else. So next time that you have an issue, do that instead of posting generalized, negative statements on a website that is intended to help professionals become better.

By: Janet

Janet — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:02:23 +0000

I do have a question for all the nurses out there performing IV’s? Why don’t you ever listen to the patient?? We know our bodies best and some of us have had IV’s several times (including myself), and know where a vein can be found. But I swear at times it’s some sick challenge for nurses to get the vein they pick. I have had them dig, pump my hand, blow out veins, made me pass out, and left horrific bruising. Here’s a thought, it’s not digging for gold. If you can not find it perhaps listen to the patient when we say something like “I have always had good luck in my hand”.. Hence the fifty poke marks. Just listen, then maybe the patient would not have to go through unnecessary pain.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 03:47:14 +0000

Steve, I JUST had this happen to me today. Was having an MRI with contrast, the tech missed the stick to run the dye in on the first try, and asked me if my veins ever blow! Totally made me feel like it was my fault. There is so much wrong with our health care system; more guys like you should be training people! Keep up the good advice.

By: James

James — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 01:03:51 +0000

@Steve, thanks for these tips they’re very helpful, i don’t know if this was mentioned in another part of this website, but one thing i learned early on(and i hope i’m not making myself look like an idiot right now) before you flush a vein or run fluid and ALWAYS before you push D50, pull back and make sure you have blood return. Doing this ensures a patent IV line and avoids the swelling and pain of saline in the subcu space (and tissue death from D50).

By: Eliz

Eliz — Mon, 30 May 2011 23:33:17 +0000

For elderly on blood thinners or very frail, easily blowable veins- try using your b/p cuff instead of tourniquet, pumped up to about 60-80mm. It’s enough pressure to get the vein firm, but not enough to blow it.

By: alex

alex — Mon, 30 May 2011 08:32:53 +0000

Wow am I ever even more thankful for my nice, large, stable veins. I may have had a “bad stick” when I was unconscious (I used to crash motorcycles a fair bit) but I’ve never had someone have a problem sticking me that I’ve noticed. Although, I have the most amazing rolling vein on the back of one hand, I can make it wiggle back and forth by moving my fingers, it’s that cool! I first noticed it when I was about 15, so rolling veins are not just for old people!