Venepuncture and cannulation: Special considerations for children and neonates

Venepuncture and intravenous cannulation are necessary procedures for many infants, however they can be painful and the level of skill of the clinician can assist in minimising the distress. Special considerations are required when taking blood or inserting an IV cannula in a paediatric or neonatal patient in regards to the site and equipment selection, and ongoing management.

This module discusses the special considerations for this population group including:

• Preparing the patient
• Choosing the right procedure and site
• Selecting the appropriate equipment
• Finding a vein
• Selecting the optimal vein for intravenous cannulation in children
• Securing the device

This module is one of a series of 5 on venepuncture and cannulation. The 5 modules are:

1. Indications and vein selection
   
2. Equipment selection
   
3. Special considerations for paediatrics and neonates
   
4. Venepuncture - A step-by-step procedural guide
   
5. Cannulation - A step-by-step procedural guide
   

Caution

All nurses and midwives who are perform venepuncture or insert IV cannulas in paediatric or neonatal patients must ensure that they maintain their accreditation to do so according to their local policies and protocols. These procedures require regular training and maintenance of competency standards and should not be attempted in the absence of the appropriate authority to do so.

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