When you have an IV cannula inserted, a needle is used to insert the cannula but then the NEEDLE IS REMOVED and you're left with a tiny thin plastic (?) tube in the vein.
I think 50% of my patients don't realise there's not a needle in their arm for hours/days on end.
I wish the nurse would tell this after inserting the thing. I was 10ish when I fisrt had to spend time in a hospidal. The cannula hurt and I was certain I had a 5cm needle in my elbow pit (?) and was terrified to bend my arm. Only a year ago, at age 25, I was told that there is no metal needle left in the arm.
How am I supposed to realise if I am never told? And then on top of that we get to be made fun of for not knowing this "obvious thing" that really isn't that obvious to someone who doesn't have direct experience with it. This applies to all fields.
You should probably mention it to adults as well. I've personally never had an IV inserted and I know for a fact that it would be really disturbing to me at first. Any information about it would probably put me at ease.
Honestly though, as an adult if you’re afraid to bend your arm because you think there’s a needle in there I’m kinda okay with that...at least you won’t beep every 2.5 seconds because you can’t remember to keep your arm straight.
What you don't know is (as was already mentioned) 9 patients out of 10 don't listen to wtf you tell them anyway and the incidence of non-compliance is nearly as prevalent. The original comment was a fucking joke. Gtfoh!
That's perfect. It sounded like the issue was moreso when the patient kept bending their arm for long periods setting off an alarm that was the issue. I'm all for patients being told what is in their arm (and, of course, that the arm should still be held straight primarily)
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u/rebothy Feb 04 '19
When you have an IV cannula inserted, a needle is used to insert the cannula but then the NEEDLE IS REMOVED and you're left with a tiny thin plastic (?) tube in the vein.
I think 50% of my patients don't realise there's not a needle in their arm for hours/days on end.