Cannulation

Question 1

Clinical indications for cannulation

Answer 1

Administer IV fluids
Administer blood transfusion
Administer IV drugs

Question 2

Which veins can be cannulated

Answer 2

antecubital fossa (medial cubital vein), 
basilic vein (ulnar side), cephalic vein (radial side) and metacarpal veins, 
dorsal venous arch

Aim for distal first

Question 3

Explain contraindications for cannulation

Answer 3

Absolute: AV fistula, patient refusal, ipsilateral mastectomy, trauma of the extremity.

Relative: Overlying skin abnormality (cellulitis, burns, skin disease) bruising, oedema, CVA

Question 4

Main complications from cannulation?

Answer 4

Localized phlebitis and/or cellulitis, bleeding from site, air embolism, catheter fracture and embolism (rare) infiltration, extravasation

Question 5

What size cannula should be used?

Answer 5

Smallest cannula/ for required flow rate/ in largest vein