Why do you need two large-bore IVs?

Many of our trauma protocols specify two IVs, often large-bore, for patients with injuries and known or suspected significant hemorrhage. IV fluids can dilute coagulation factors in the blood, increase blood pressure to dislodge clots, and cause hypothermia.

What is considered a large-bore needle?

16 Gauge: This size is mostly used in the ICU or surgery areas. This large size enables many different procedures to be performed, such as blood administration, rapid fluid administration, and so forth. 18 Gauge: This size allows you to do most tasks that the 16 gauge can.

When starting a peripheral IV where should you try first and why?

Generally IV’s are started at the most peripheral site that is available and appropriate for the situation. This allows cannulation of a more proximal site if your attempt fails. If you puncture a proximal vein first, and then try to start an IV distal to the site, the fluid may leak from the injured proximal vessel.

When do you need a large bore IV?

“This is a large bore IV and is only indicated in cases where a large volume of IV fluid is indicated or clinical circumstances indicate a large bore IV may be required to resuscitate the patient.”

Which is slower a central line or a large bore IV?

And just how much slower is a central line at delivering fluid? Behold, the Large Bore IV Access Showdown. We’ve hooked up all of the major types of IV lines you’re likely to find in an average Australian ED to a rapid infusor device, and timed how long it took to pump through a litre of saline.

What are the different types of large bore IV access devices?

For more information on the various types of large bore IV access check out our post on large bore vascular access devices. The astute will have noticed that we didn’t use a MAC-line (multi-lumen access catheter) in this test.

When to use a large bore catheter for IV?

(ii) Irritating or incompatible additive (iii) Using large-bore catheters (iv) Using lower extremities as IV sites (v) Infection (2) Signs and symptoms (a) Sluggish flow rate (b) Swelling around the infusion site (c) Patient complaints of pain and tenderness