Simulator Practice - IV Access - PTC

IV Access Simulator Practice

Simulator Practice Instructions

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0:00 step 1
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[Practice Subsection]

Step	Indicators of Proficiency	Indicators of Error
Spike IV bag and flush IV tubing	The learner demonstrates smooth, confident handling of both the bag and the spike without touching the uncapped spike to anything but the spike port. Resulting in smooth insertion of the spike and free flow of fluid.	Failing to do the step. Contaminating the spike. Failing to flush. Possible Result: Contaminated line, air bubbles.
Place tourniquet on patient arm above the chosen site for IV	Learner demonstrates proper positioning of the tourniquet on the patient’s arm. The tourniquet is sufficiently tight to induce distention without pain.	Misplacement of tourniquet on arm. Tourniquet is over-tight. Tourniquet is under-tight. Possible Result: Patient pain or no vein distention.
Visually identify skin distention indicating a vein and palpate	The learner examines the area and can spot and palpate a vein under a variety of conditions.	Failing to do the step The learner struggles to identify veins in the presence of: dark skin, low blood pressure, or subcutaneous fat. Possible Result: Missed IVs in many patients.
Clean and prep skin with antiseptic	The learner wipes the area starting at the center and moving out with a circular motion with enough coverage around the intended puncture area, and waits for the cleansing agent to dry before proceeding to the next step.	Failing to do the step Prep too small an area Contaminated site after cleaning resulting in a contaminated line Starting needle insertion before prep is dry
Insert needle tip into vein	The learner places light tension on the skin with their non-dominant hand, holds the needle bevel up at a 10-30 degree angle in their dominant hand and inserts the needle smoothly through the skin into the vein until the flash of blood return is seen in the chamber. Vein roll is corrected for in the needle trajectory. The end result is a vein with the tip of the needle/cannula assembly fully inside the lumen	Rough handling that would cause pain Fumbling Misplaced needle tip (outside of vein) Failure of aseptic technique Possible Results: Patient pain, multiple sticks, line contamination, failure to achieve IV, vein damage.
Advance the needle into vein lumen	The learner decreases the angle of the needle to parallel with the vein and advances 2-4 mm more into the vein	Failing to do the step Rough handling Advancing the catheter too early Fumbling Dislodging the needle tip Failure of aseptic technique Possible Result: Patient pain, multiple sticks, line contamination, failure to achieve IV, vein damage.
Advance the catheter fully into the vein lumen	Without advancing the needle further, the learner smoothly slides the catheter over the needle and into the vein. Resulting in a cannulated vein with the base of the catheter advanced all the way to the skin	same
Remove needle and attach IV tubing and test flow	The learner smoothly removes the needle from the cannula lumen without dislodging the cannula, places the needle down safely, attaches the IV tubing without dislodging the cannula, and starts the fluid flow. Result: A cannulated vein with IV tubing attached, minimal spilled blood, and IV fluid flowing.	Dislodging or kinking the catheter Spilling excessive blood Mishandling the sharp Contaminating the site while attaching IV tubing Failing to demonstrate flow Bubbles in the line Possible result: Contaminated line, blocked flow, air embolism
Tape down IV site to stabilize cannula	Dressing applied sterilely, IV fixed in place	Fails to secure, dislodged IV

Assessment

Self-assessment

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License	CC-BY-SA-4.0
Language	English (en)
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Created	July 29, 2025 by Ian-laurel
Last edit	July 29, 2025 by Ian-laurel
Cite as	Ian-laurel (2025). "Simulator Practice - IV Access - PTC". Appropedia. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
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