Rationale and key points

Peripheral intravenous (IV) cannulation in adults is one of the most commonly performed healthcare procedures. It involves the insertion of a small tube into a vein using a needle, enabling the administration of fluids, blood products and nutrition, and the collection of blood samples. Healthcare professionals performing this procedure must undergo training to be able to undertake it effectively and safely.

• Knowledge of vein anatomy and understanding the risks and benefits of the procedure supports safe practice, reduces errors, costs and infection risk, and improves the overall patient experience.

• To provide holistic care, nurses should understand the indications for peripheral IV cannulation, which can be a short-term intervention for administering medicines, fluids and blood products, and for parenteral nutrition

• Various pharmacological interventions and psychological techniques can be used to alleviate or minimise the pain and anxiety experienced by some patients during cannulation.

• Following the successful insertion of a peripheral IV cannula, nurses must provide ongoing care to preserve the cannula’s patency and safeguard the patient.

Reflective activity

‘How to’ articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence-based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of:

• How this article might improve your practice when undertaking peripheral IV cannulation.

• How you could use this information to educate nursing students or your colleagues on the appropriate and safe methods for undertaking peripheral IV cannulation.