Summarize the following:
Though starting an IV isn't nearly as serious of an undertaking as more complicated procedures, it still requires the same basic level of preparation and precaution as any minor medical procedure. Before you begin, you'll want to have all of the tools and equipment you need handy and you'll want to be sure that any materials which will come into contact with the patient's body especially your needles are fresh and sterile. To start a typical IV line, you will need: Sterile disposable gloves Appropriate size "over-the-needle" IV catheter (typically 14 - 25 gauge) Bag of IV fluid Non-latex tourniquet Sterile bandage or dressing Gauze Alcohol wipes Medical tape Sharps container Sterile pad or paper (set small tools out on this to keep them close at hand) An important part of the process of starting an IV is introducing yourself to the patient and explaining the procedure that's about to occur. Talking to patients and sharing this basic information helps put them at ease and ensures that no part of the process surprises or shocks them. In addition, it ensures that you have their full consent to proceed. When you're done, have the patient lay or recline where they'll be receiving their IV. When patients are nervous, their veins may contract somewhat in a process called vasoconstriction. This makes it harder to start an IV, so make sure your patient is as relaxed and comfortable as possible before proceeding. You may want to ask whether the patient has had any trouble with IVs in the past. If so, the patient may be able to tell you which sites are easiest to access. Next, prime the IV tubing by suspending the IV bag from an elevated stand, filling the tubing with saline solution, and checking for any bubbles. If necessary, clamp the tubing so that the solution doesn't drip onto the floor. Be sure to remove any bubbles from the tubing by gently tapping, squeezing, or flushing them out of the line. A dated and signed sticker should then be placed on both the IV tubing and the IV bag. Injecting air bubbles into a patient's bloodstream can cause a serious condition called an embolism. One easy technique for removing bubbles from the IV tubing is to uncoil the tubing to its full length and run the roller valve all the way up to the drip chamber. Next, puncture the IV bag with the tubing spike and pinch the drip chamber. Open the roller valve and release the line fluid should flow down the length of the tubing without producing any bubbles. Typically, IV catheters are mounted over the needle used to puncture the vein. After the vein is accessed, the catheter is left in place for easy access to the vein. Catheters come in different sizes called gauges. The smaller the gauge number, the thicker the catheter and the more rapidly medicine can be administered and blood can be drawn. However, thick catheters are also cause more painful insertion, so it's important not to use a catheter that's bigger than you need. In general, for IVs, you'll need a catheter that's about 14-25 gauge. Tend towards higher-gauge (thinner) catheters for children and the elderly, but tend towards lower-gauge (thicker) catheters when rapid transfusion is needed. Inserting an IV pierces the skin and introduces foreign equipment directly into the bloodstream. To avoid the risk of a dangerous infection, it's important to wash your hands and dry them with a clean paper towel before beginning, then put on sterile gloves before you handle your equipment and touch the patient. If at any point your gloves' sterility becomes compromised, take them off and put on a new pair; it's better to be safe than sorry. Below are situations where most medical standards require changing gloves: Before touching the patient Before clean/aseptic procedures (like administering IV medications) After procedures with a risk of body fluid exposure After touching the patient After touching the patient's surroundings Before moving to a different patient Next, you'll want to find a site on the patient to administer the IV. For adult patients, the most accessible veins are long, straight ones in upper extremities that aren't near joints and are furthest from the body. For children, the scalp, hand, or foot is more preferable as an IV site than a leg, arm or elbow fold. While any accessible vein can be used to start an IV, it's best to avoid veins in the patient's dominant hand. If your patient has a history of hard-to-reach veins, ask where doctors have previously had success. Usually, patients with previous difficult IV experiences will know where their veins are most accessible. Note that, regardless of the presence of veins, there are certain places you won't want to insert an IV. These include: Places where the IV will interfere with surgery In the same location as another recent IV In a site that shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, irritation, etc.) In a limb on the same side of the body as a mastectomy or vascular graft (this can lead to complications) To get your chosen veins to swell up for easy insertion, apply a tourniquet behind (in the direction of the torso) the intended IV site. For instance, if you're going to insert the IV into the typical site of the underside of the forearm, you might put the tourniquet part of the way up the upper arm. Don't tie the tourniquet too tight this can cause bruising, especially in the elderly. It should be tight, but not so tight that you can't slip a finger underneath. Letting the limb hang limp towards the floor while a tourniquet is in place can help the veins become more prominent by increasing the blood flow to the limb. If you're having a hard time finding suitable veins, it can be helpful to palpate the patient's skin in the area of the IV site. Align your finger in the direction of the vein, then press down on the skin above it. You should feel the vein "push back". Continue pressing with a bouncing motion for about 20-30 seconds.The vein should become visibly larger.

Summary:
Gather your materials. Introduce yourself to the patient. Prepare the IV tubing. Choose a suitable-gauge catheter for the situation. Put on sterile gloves. Look for prominent veins. Apply a tourniquet. Palpate the vein if necessary.