(11) Continue advancing the catheter/needle until the wall of the vein is
pierced.
NOTE:
A slight "give" is felt as the needle enters the vein.
(12) Check for blood in the flash chamber (figure 6-7). Blood in the flash
chamber indicates that the vein has been successfully punctured.
Figure 6-7. Blood in the flash chamber of the catheter/needle unit.
(13) When you have blood in the flash chamber, advance the catheter/needle
unit approximately 1/8 inch farther to ensure that the catheter itself is in the vein.
(14) Stabilize the flash chamber with your dominant hand and grasp the
catheter hub with your non-dominant hand (figure 6-8).
Figure 6-8. Threading the catheter into the vein.
(15) Thread the entire length of the catheter (up to the hub) into the vein.
CAUTION:
Only the catheter is advanced into the vein. The needle is not
advanced. Hold the needle in place as you push the catheter.
(16) While continuing to hold the catheter hub with your non-dominant hand,
use a finger of the non-dominant hand to press lightly on the skin just beyond the
catheter tip.
IS0871
6-7
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