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Managing Difficult IV Cannulation

CPDTime.
11m of CPD
‘Difficult intravenous access’ (DIVA), or ‘difficult peripheral intravenous cannulation’ (DPIVC), describes a situation wherein a practitioner is having difficulty gaining peripheral vascular access, often because the patient’s veins can not easily be seen or felt. It is generally defined as two or more failed cannulations, and/or needing to use advanced or rescue techniques to gain peripheral vascular access.

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  • CPDTime.
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What is this article about?

Intravenous cannulation in prehospital settings enables the delivery of medicine, intravenous fluids, anaesthesia and other interventions prior to patient transportation. However, cannulation may be difficult and is associated with a high risk of complications. If the cannulation fails, this may further delay treatment and transport, potentially resulting in adverse patient outcomes.

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  • 3 Assessment Questions

Further Learning

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  • CPDTime.
    11m of CPD

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Ausmed
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Ausmed’s editorial team is committed to providing high-quality, well-researched and reputable education to our users, free of any commercial bias or conflict of interest. All education produced by Ausmed is developed in consultation with healthcare professionals and undergoes a rigorous review process to ensure the relevancy of all healthcare information and updates to changes in practice. If you have identified an issue with the education offered by Ausmed or wish to submit feedback to Ausmed's editorial team, please email ausmed@ausmed.com.au with your concerns.
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What do others think?

1600 reviews by Ausmed Learners
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JD
Jenna Day
05 Oct 2023
Excellent source of information.
Portrait of Rebecca Isaacs-Farrin
Rebecca Isaacs-Farrin
30 Oct 2020
Great source for a good outline of factors to consider when trying to gain IV access and some strategies to utilise to mitigate these issues. Lots of supporting evidence and references too.
PN
PREETI NIJJAR
06 Jan 2021
Excellent resource.
DG
Deirdre Gillick
15 Nov 2020
Good refresher on IV cannulation and additional resources also very helpful.
NT
Nikki TURK
18 Nov 2020
This article provides an overview of phlebotomy practices and inherent risks.
Portrait of Hannah Zamora
Hannah Zamora
08 Nov 2020
relevant
YS
Yurda sahin
08 Nov 2020
scope of practice for EEN Aseptic Technique confidentiality and dignity
KD
Kimberly Davidson
10 Jan 2021
Good to read to reinforce old knowledge & read any new information available
JA
Jacinda Auhl
06 Jan 2021
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DH
Daniel Hardegen
05 Jan 2022
Very good read
4.5 / 5
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