Size does matter

If you want to get big water into your patient, observe the following recommendations:

1. Gauge is king. Choose the fattest tube you can stick into the patient.
2. When it comes to catheter length, it’s not the size… it’s how you use it. Shorter catheter lengths mean less resistance.
3. Consider plugging your drip set directly into the catheter hub instead of using a needle-free adapter or saline lock. The aforementioned study reports significant loss of flow through these types of connectors.
4. Optimize the pressure difference between the bag and the vein. Place the bag high above the patient and use a compression sleeve, if indicated.