How to Use Shielded Catheters

Shielded catheters are IV passages designed to aid in intravenous liquid treatment, usually in hospitals. A doctor or nurse will insert a shielded catheter to prevent needle-sticking injuries in the patient as the catheter needle is removed. A shielded catheter provides a more delicate insertion and removal of the needle, so it is especially useful for patients who need frequent IV needles inserted in the same insertion site. You should not insert shielded catheters or any other IV needles if you have not been trained by a doctor or nurse in how to use them.

Things You'll Need

• Rubbing alcohol
• Sterile cotton swab or balls

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Instructions

• 1

  Prepare the catheter insertion site. This procedure may vary between doctors and hospitals but usually involves the sterilization of the insertion area with rubbing alcohol and a sterile cotton ball or cotton swab.

• 2

  Remove the sterile catheter from its packaging. Rotate the barrel, which is the long area of the catheter, 360 degrees. The barrel will click into position.

• 3

  Slowly approach the vein at a low angle and thread, or guide, the catheter into the vein slowly and carefully. If you are doing this correctly, the patient should not feel any pain or discomfort.

• 4

  When the catheter is in place, apply pressure with your fingers around the tip of the catheter and press the button on the top of the catheter.

• 5

  Slowly remove the needle from the catheter and apply medical tape to the insertion site. The catheter should be firmly in position and is ready to accept needles for intravenous treatment.