How to Better Perform IV Insertion on Pediatric Patients
Pediatric nurses work with the cutest patients, however performing an IV insertion on pediatric patients is a tough task. It tends to be one of the most intimidating tasks for nurses, as well. It has the possibility of being an especially distressing experience, especially for the young patients.
Nurses try their best to turn this painful procedure into a relatively relaxed one. Nurses, needles, and other operational tools set a scary scene for younger patients. A painless venipuncture may be impossible to achieve, however, it’s possible for nurses to make the procedure easier on the young patients.
Here are 4 effective ways to make an IV insertion in pediatric patients a relatively less traumatic experience -
Child’s developmental stage - Each child achieves a specific developmental milestone for every age range. Therefore, it’s important for a nurse to take the child’s developmental age into consideration. IV insertion site, size of the catheter to be used during insertion, and how health information and instructions will be imparted to the young ones, all depends on this critical information.
Limited restraints - An IV insertion is a painful experience and for younger children, and it can be especially traumatizing. Under these conditions, it is very important to offer comfort to the patient. So, make sure you aren’t following any strict restraining procedures while controlling the patient’s bodily movements. If need be, use less pervasive restraining procedures, such as the hug technique. The hug technique works very well and you can involve parents, too. This technique provides additional warmth and emotional support to the patient.
Creative forms of distraction - Instead of old techniques, using creative forms of distraction is highly recommended. If the patient is a preschooler or school-age child, then let him/her blow bubbles, sing, or play games on an iPad. In 2009, Child Life Services started using iPads as a distraction tool for patients and since then, iPads have become a popular distraction tool during the IV insertion procedure.
Allow parents to be with the child - Parents offer tremendous support to young patients. The presence of their parents can dramatically reduce the patient’s anxiety levels. Older children should also be allowed the option to have parents present. Nurses should always encourage the presence of the patient’s parents during this painful procedure.
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