Curious on how long othesr let lidocine sit before you do your stick for PICCs or PIVs? I try & give it about minute, but still have some complain of some discomfort. Also about how much do you give? I find giving lidocaine for PIV's in the lower part of the arm, I feel like it obsecures the vein. Any sugguestions on usage?
Debra Rivie
Long Beach Memorial Med. Center
Long Beach, CA
I usually only let it set for about 20-30 seconds. I usually start with asking the patient if they can feel something sharp with lightly putting the needle tip on the anesthetized site. Usually the answer is "No", then I go for it. :)
Also with PIV insertion some tricks I have tried...
1. Injecting just off center of the vessel and when I insert the IV, I go through the wheel created from the lidocaine. Starting the IV with a side approach.
2. Injecting the lidocaine wheel and if it has obscured the intended vessel I apply pressure over the site. It will help flatten the wheel and allow the vessel to fill with blood again.