Intermittent Infusion Device Insertion
- Filled with normal saline solution to prevent clotting
- Also known as saline lock, maintains venous access in patients receiving I.V. drugs regularly or intermittently but not continuously.
- This system keeps the access device sterile and prevents blood from leaking from the open end.
- Much like the administration set injection port; the intermittent injection cap is self sealing after the needle less injector is removed.
- The device minimizes the risk of fluid overload and electrolyte imbalance better than a slow infusion with I.V. to keep the vein open.
Equipment
- Intermittent infusion device
- Needless system device
- Normal saline solution
- Venipuncture equipment
- Transparent semi-permeable dressing
- Tape
- Prefilled saline cartridges
- 1 ml of dilute heparin solution in a 3-ml syringe
Procedure Overview
- Wash your hands
- Confirm the patient’s name and identification number
- Reinforce the explanation of the procedure
- Remove the set from its packaging, wipe the port with an alcohol pad, and inject normal saline solution to fill or prime the tubing and needleless system. This removes air, preventing an air embolus
- Select an venipuncture site
- Put on gloves and necessary personal protective equipment
- Apply tourniquet 2” proximal to the chosen area
- Clean the venipuncture site with antimicrobial solution
- Perform the venipuncture, and ensure correct needle placement in the vein
- Release the tourniquet
- Tape the set in place
- Loop the tubing, if applicable, so the injection port is accessible
- Flush the catheter with normal saline solution
- Apply transparent semi-permeable dressing
- Write the time and date and your initials on the dressing label, and place it in the dressing
- Remove and discard gloves
- Inject normal saline solution every 8 to 24 hours.
- Inject normal saline solution slowly to prevent stinging.
Nursing Interventions
- When assessing an intermittent infusion device, stabilize it to prevent dislodging from the vein.
- If the patient feels burning during the injection of normal saline solution, stop the injection, check cannula placement, and monitor the site for infiltration or infection.
- If the cannula is in the vein, inject the normal saline solution slower to minimize irritation.
- Change the intermittent infusion device every 48 to 72 hours, according to hospital policy, using a new venipuncture site.
- A transparent semi-permebale dressing allows a greater patients freedom and better observation of the injection site.
- If the physician orders an I.V. infusion stopped and an intermittent infusion device inserted, convert the existing the line by disconnecting the I.V. tubing and inserting a male adapter plug into the device.
- Most health care facilities require the use of luer-lock systems on all infusion cannula and lines.
Daisy Jane Antipuesto RN MN
Currently a Nursing Local Board Examination Reviewer. Subjects handled are Pediatric, Obstetric and Psychiatric Nursing. Previous work experiences include: Clinical instructor/lecturer, clinical coordinator (Level II), caregiver instructor/lecturer, NC2 examination reviewer and staff/clinic nurse. Areas of specialization: Emergency room, Orthopedic Ward and Delivery Room. Also an IELTS passer.
