Chapter 39, Problem 4RP

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

The evidence in nursing literature that provides guidance for decision making in regarding professional practice and vein puncture.

Case summary:

Ms. G is a 28-year-old female patient admitted in the emergency department due to severe nausea and vomiting for past 48 hours. She had a history of Crohn’s disease and gastrointestinal problems. The patient had a bowel resection surgery one month ago, the patient seems too dehydrated. Hence, the emergency department nurse tried to start IV fluid. The nurse fails five times in attempting to insert the IV; the patient is upset over the needle pain and along with the abdominal pain. The patient tells the nurse to call an IV team to insert the IV, but the nurse took no notice and inserted the IV for sixth time with success as the patient is in tears due to the pain.