Operational IV for a Standardized Patient

Operational IV for a standardized patient

Tobey Stosberg

249

There is a need to have working IV sites for standardized patients in order to increase realism during simulation scenarios. Inserting real IV’s into a standardized patient can be dangerous and is not recommended. Use of simple J-loop provides appearance of a saline lock, but cannot be actively used as a working IV. As a solution, faculty created an operational, mock-IV site to replicate a peripheral IV which will enable IV fluid infusion on a standardized patient during a simulation scenario.

Attach a J-loop to extension IV tubing. Then, attach the appropriate size empty IV bag to the extension tubing. Secure the IV site and tubing to the standardized patient. Hide the extra tubing and empty IV fluid bag under standardized patient clothing. Learners can then inject IV medications or continuously run fluids into the standardized patient IV. The simulated IV can be re-used in various scenarios, with learners of various levels, and ensure standardized patient safety.

1. J-loop
2. Extension tubing
3. Empty IV fluid bag (Size appropriate for IVF amount infused during scenario)
4. Tape
5. Lanyard to hold IV bag

1. Select a J-loop
2. Attach short IV extension tubing to J-loop
3. Attach empty IV fluid bag to extension tubing
4. Attach lanyard to IV fluid bag
5. Place lanyard on standardized patient
6. Place J-Loop at desired IV site and secure in place with tape
7. Use tape to secure extension tubing to standardized patient in a location which is not readily visible
8. Place patient clothing or hospital gown over IV fluid bag and tubing