title: Intravenous cannula site management.
abstract: Intravenous cannulation is becoming one of the most common procedures in healthcare as increasing numbers of patients are treated for acute and chronic illnesses. The use of an intravenous cannula is not without risk, so it is essential that the healthcare practitioner can justify why the patient requires cannulation, as well as being able to safely manage and provide ongoing care for patients with the device. This article provides an overview of intravenous cannulation, including the selection of appropriate cannulation sites, identification of the different types and sizes of cannula used, and cannula maintenance. Specific complications related to intravenous cannulation are discussed and guidance is given on how to recognise and avoid potential complications to ensure that practice is safe and effective.
authors.affiliation: De Montfort University, Leicester, England.
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Brooks
mesh_terms: D061605:Administration, Intravenous / Q000295:instrumentation*; D000072601:Cannula; D006801:Humans; D061214:Patient Safety; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: aseptic non-touch technique; best practice; infection; intravenous cannula; phlebitis