If you want to get big water into your patient, observe the following recommendations:
- Gauge is king. Choose the fattest tube you can stick into the patient.
- When it comes to catheter length, it’s not the size… it’s how you use it. Shorter catheter lengths mean less resistance.
- 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.
- Optimize the pressure difference between the bag and the vein. Place the bag high above the patient and use a compression sleeve, if indicated.
