How many times have you been in the predicament of trying to start an IV on a patient, and it simply is not working? It happens often, and is especially difficult for patients who already have a fear of needles. Reasons For Uncooperative Veins Most often if you have a patient recently admitted, it may be a matter of dehydration. If they have been ill, and low on fluid intake, it may be enough to cause problems in locating a vein. Options may be limited, if you can't start IV fluids with a properly inserted IV. Having the patient squeeze their fist and release may help to make a vein visible, however, when dehydration is the issue that does not always work. So how many sticks are appropriate? 3 maximum, or 2 if the patient is resistant to another try. There is usually someone else that can take a fresh look and have different results. Related: The Top 10 Complaints from Nurses Positioning the IV There is no limit to the creative places an IV can
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