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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Elements define the essential outcomes
2. Prepare for peripheral intravenous cannulation
   • Correctly identify client and authorised request/s for peripheral intravenous cannulation
   • Explain procedure to client and obtain consent and check for allergies
   • Identify any additional specific requests/tests relevant to the procedure before proceeding
   • Ensure client is correctly and comfortably positioned to access the veins
   • Work with multidisciplinary team to coordinate activities to ensure they do not impact on peripheral vascular cannulation
   • Discuss with parent/carer/staff member appropriate holding and/or distraction technique for a client during cannulation
   • Assemble and prepare peripheral intravenous cannulation equipment using standard precautions
   • Apply tourniquet/blood pressure cuff to limb, palpate for identification of suitable vein and then release tourniquet/blood pressure cuff
   • Prepare and clean insertion site for cannulation

Performance Evidence

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:

prepared equipment and performed peripheral intravenous cannulation for 3 different clients according to manufacturer’s instructions and organisation procedures

monitored 1 in-situ peripheral intravenous cannula, documenting assessment of the patency of the cannula and condition of the site

safely removed 1 peripheral intravenous cannula from a client in accordance with organisation procedures

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

basic anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system and first aid relevant to bleeding from peripheral vascular system

factors necessitating a client to need a peripheral intravenous cannula to be in-situ:

venous blood samples

intravenous fluids

medication

identification of suitable veins in the upper and lower limbs for peripheral intravenous cannulation including:

size and condition of clients vein

use of non-dominant limb if possible

avoid the cephalic vein in clients with chronic renal failure

expected duration of the in-situ intravenous cannula

identification of veins to avoid using for peripheral intravenous cannulation:

areas of flexion e.g. antecubital fossa or bony prominences

vein just below the previous cannulation site

bruised or phlebitis areas

areas of poor venous return

limb with arteriovenous fistulae or shunt

infected limb e.g. cellulitis

arm on the same side as a previous lymph node dissection, mastectomy or affected by a cerebrovascular accident

limb with an implanted venous access device

if surgical procedure is required on limb

basic medical terminology used in peripheral vascular cannulation and pathology laboratory requests

factors which may affect the chemical analysis of blood collected from an in-situ peripheral intravenous cannula:

appropriate times to collect

impact of drugs

timing of last dose

required fasting times

protecting the integrity of the specimen

how to position client for comfort and adjust chair or bed to reduce practitioners WHS risk factors associated with poor posture during repetitive tasks

clinical applications for sizes (gauge) of cannula required, selection should take into account:

previous cannulation sites

age of patient e.g. neonates, children and the older person

purpose of peripheral intravenous cannula:

rapid transfusion

intravenous fluids

long term medication

care and maintenance of peripheral intravenous cannula in- situ

complications associated with peripheral intravenous cannulation:

occlusion

infection

phlebitis

rupture

migration

extravasation

unsuccessful cannulation attempt, client discomfort or distress

how to safely use equipment associated with peripheral intravenous cannulation:

tourniquet and/or blood pressure cuff

chlorhexidine and alcohol swabs

peripheral intravenous cannula

local anaesthetic cream and dressings

extension set and/or three-way tap device & bung associated with intravenous therapy

flushing in-situ cannula with syringe

pre-collection criteria when peripheral intravenous cannulation is for the purpose of collecting blood including:

fasting and/or dietary restrictions

drug therapies administered to client

physical health status of client

referral of client to an appropriate health professional if pre-criteria is not met prior to cannulation

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