Risk Free Cannulation Practice

For healthcare professionals, cannulation is one of the most common invasive procedures performed in hospitals. It is used to administer medication, fluids and blood products, as well as to take blood for testing purposes. As with any invasive procedure, it carries a risk of infection and other complications. Therefore, it is essential for healthcare professionals to practice cannulation with the utmost care in order to minimize the risk of infection and other complications. Find more information here about the benefits of cannulation.

Here are some tips for healthcare professionals to reduce the risk of complications when performing cannulation:

Hand hygiene

A healthcare professional must ensure that they have clean hands before and after the cannulation procedure. Hands should be washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Alternatively, an alcohol-based hand rub can be used if hands are not visibly soiled. Keep your nails trimmed short and avoid wearing rings or other hand jewelry.

Selection of an appropriate site

When selecting a site for cannulation, healthcare professionals should consider this article. The site should be inspected for any signs of inflammation, infection, or sclerosis. Avoid using sites over areas of skin damage, such as burns. Potential sites for peripheral cannulation may include the veins in the antecubital fossa, the dorsum of the hand, and the veins in the forearm.

Sterilization of equipment

All equipment required for the cannulation procedure should be sterilized using appropriate methods. This includes gloves, syringes, needles, and the cannula itself. Needles should not be recapped after use. Ensure that the cannula packaging has not been damaged or opened before use. If there is any doubt about the integrity of the packaging, do not use the cannula.

Care during insertion and removal

During cannula insertion, healthcare professionals should be gentle and minimize trauma to the surrounding tissue. The cannula should be inserted at an angle of between 10-30 degrees to the skin, with the bevel facing upwards. Resistance during insertion should be immediately addressed. Careful attention must be paid to avoid infiltrating local tissues or administering medication into arteries which can cause complications. When the cannula needs to be removed, be sure to dispose of it safely and appropriately.

In conclusion, a healthcare professional should adhere to strict guidelines to maintain a clean environment and safe practice while performing a cannulation procedure. Hand hygiene, selecting the appropriate cannulation site, sterilization of equipment, and care during insertion and removal are crucial steps for risk mitigation. Continue reading for more information regarding this topic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannula.