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  Thursday 16 October 2025 / 01:43 PM

 

Basic Medical Procedure and First Aid

General Medicine (HA) – Second Year

Unit 5: Invasive Procedures

Importance of Invasive Procedures

Invasive procedures are essential clinical skills that involve entering the body through natural orifices or through the skin. These procedures require precision, strict aseptic technique, and thorough knowledge of anatomy to ensure patient safety and therapeutic effectiveness. This unit covers four critical invasive procedures: IV cannulation, nasogastric tube insertion, urinary catheterization, and enema administration.

Mastering these skills is crucial for emergency care, surgical preparation, and management of critically ill patients. Follow the Basic Medical Procedures and First Aid Page for more resources.

1. Intravenous (IV) Cannulation

Definition & Purpose

Definition: Procedure of inserting a cannula into a vein to administer fluids, medications, blood products, or nutrition directly into the bloodstream.

Indications

  • IV fluids administration (hydration)
  • IV medications (antibiotics, analgesics)
  • Blood/blood product transfusions
  • Frequent blood sampling
  • Contrast administration for imaging
  • Parenteral nutrition

Contraindications

  • Infected or inflamed area
  • Burnt skin
  • Edematous limb
  • Limb with AV fistula
  • Cellulitis over insertion site
  • Mastectomy on same side

Procedure Steps

Step 1
Explain procedure to patient
Step 2
Wash hands and wear gloves
Step 3
Select suitable vein
Step 4
Clean site with antiseptic
Step 5
Apply tourniquet
Step 6
Insert cannula at proper angle
Step 7
Check blood return
Step 8
Remove needle and secure
Step 9
Fix with dressing and label
Step 10
Dispose sharps safely

IV Cannula Color Coding

Color Gauge (G) Lumen Size Common Uses
Orange 14G Very Large Major trauma, rapid blood transfusion, surgery
Grey 16G Large Surgery, blood transfusion, rapid fluid infusion
Green 18G Medium Blood transfusion, IV fluids, most adult medications
Pink 20G Small Routine IV medications, IV fluids, elderly patients
Blue 22G Very Small Pediatrics, fragile veins, chemotherapy
Yellow 24G Smallest Neonates, very fragile veins

Complications and Management

Complication Management
Infiltration
Fluid leaks into surrounding tissue
Remove cannula, elevate limb, apply warm/cold compress, document
Phlebitis
Vein inflammation
Remove cannula, apply warm compress, elevate limb, consider NSAIDs
Infection
Local or systemic
Maintain aseptic technique, remove cannula, send tip for culture, antibiotics if needed
Hematoma
Blood collection in tissue
Apply pressure, cold compress, elevate limb
Air Embolism
Air enters bloodstream
Prevent by priming tubing, left lateral position if occurs, oxygen therapy
Thrombosis
Blood clot in vein
Remove cannula, avoid that vein, consider anticoagulants

2. Ryle’s (Nasogastric/NG) Tube Insertion & Care

Definition & Indications

Definition: Insertion of a flexible tube through nose → esophagus → stomach.

Indications

  • Feeding patients who cannot swallow
  • Gastric decompression (post-surgery, obstruction)
  • Administration of medications
  • Gastric lavage (poisoning)
  • Aspiration of gastric contents for analysis

Common Sizes (French Gauge)

  • Adults: 12 Fr to 18 Fr
  • Children/Infants: 5 Fr to 12 Fr
  • Smaller for feeding, larger for drainage

Procedure Steps

  1. Explain & Position: Sitting upright, head slightly forward
  2. Measure & Mark: Nose → earlobe → xiphisternum
  3. Lubricate & Insert: Water-soluble gel, advance horizontally
  4. Swallow & Advance: Patient swallows water as tube advanced
  5. Confirm Placement: CRITICAL – Aspirate gastric contents (pH <5.5) or X-ray
  6. Secure & Care: Secure to nose, provide mouth/nasal care

⚠️ Critical Safety Point

Always confirm tube placement before feeding or medication administration. Chest X-ray is gold standard for initial placement confirmation.

Complications

  • Incorrect placement → aspiration pneumonia
  • Nasal/pharyngeal irritation, ulceration
  • Sinusitis, otitis media
  • Tube clogging
  • Aspiration of gastric contents
  • Electrolyte imbalance (prolonged drainage)
  • Tube migration/dislodgement

Care of NG Tube

  • Keep nostrils clean and moisturized
  • Check tube placement regularly (before each feed)
  • Maintain oral hygiene (mouth care every 4-6 hours)
  • Flush tube with 30ml water before/after feeding/meds
  • Secure properly to prevent dislodgement
  • Monitor for signs of complications
  • Document tube length at nostril daily

3. Urinary Catheterization

Definition & Types

Definition: Insertion of a hollow, flexible tube into the bladder to drain urine.

Foley’s Catheter

Flexible tube with balloon at tip. After insertion, balloon inflated with sterile water to keep in place.

Common Sizes (French Gauge)

  • Adult Men: 14 Fr to 18 Fr
  • Adult Women: 12 Fr to 16 Fr
  • Children: 6 Fr to 12 Fr
  • Balloon sizes: 5ml, 10ml (standard), 30ml

Indications & Procedure

Indications

  • Relief of urinary retention
  • Accurate urine output measurement
  • Bladder irrigation (clot removal)
  • Urinary incontinence management
  • During certain surgeries
  • Urine specimen collection

General Procedure Steps

  1. Explain procedure, maintain privacy
  2. Wash hands, wear sterile gloves
  3. Clean genital area with antiseptic
  4. Lubricate catheter tip
  5. Insert catheter gently into urethra
  6. Inflate balloon with sterile water
  7. Connect to drainage bag, secure
  8. Document procedure

👨 Male Catheterization

  • Penis held at 60-90° angle
  • Longer urethra (18-20 cm)
  • Advance 15-20 cm until urine flows
  • Risk of false passage creation
  • More care needed for prostate enlargement
  • Secure to abdomen or thigh

👩 Female Catheterization

  • Shorter urethra (4-5 cm)
  • Advance 5-7 cm until urine flows
  • Identify urethral opening clearly
  • Risk of vaginal misplacement
  • Labia must be separated throughout
  • Secure to inner thigh

Complications of Catheterization

UTI
Most common complication
Trauma/bleeding
False passage creation
Urethral stricture
Long-term in males
Bladder spasms
Painful contractions
Blockage/leakage
Sediment or kinking
Catheter-associated pain
Discomfort during insertion/removal

4. Enema Administration

Definition & Types

Definition: Introduction of fluid into rectum and colon via anus.

Types of Enema

  • Evacuant/Cleansing: Relieve constipation, bowel prep
  • Retention: Medication administration (steroids for colitis)
  • Carminative: Relieve flatulence
  • Anthelmintic: Treat parasitic infections
  • Nutritive: Provide nutrition (rare)

Indications

  • Relieve constipation
  • Bowel preparation before surgery/colonoscopy
  • Administer medications
  • Soften fecal impaction
  • Reduce body temperature (rare)
  • Diagnostic procedures

Procedure Steps (Evacuant Enema)

  1. Prepare: Explain, privacy, left lateral position
  2. Prepare Solution: Warm to 37°C (500-1000ml)
  3. Hang Container: 45-60 cm above rectum
  4. Lubricate & Insert: Lubricate 3-5 cm of tube
  5. Insert Tube: 7-10 cm into rectum
  6. Administer: Open clamp, allow slow flow
  7. Retain & Expel: Retain 5-10 minutes, then expel
  8. Clean & Document: Clean patient, document output

⚠️ Important Points

  • Stop if severe cramping occurs
  • Never force tube insertion
  • Monitor for vasovagal response
  • Use appropriate solution temperature

Local Method Preparation

When commercial kits unavailable in peripheral settings:

Equipment Needed

  • Clean bucket/vessel
  • Rubber/silicone tubing
  • Funnel or clamp
  • Soap, clean water, salt

Solution Preparation

  • Soap Water: 1L warm water + 5-10ml mild soap
  • Normal Saline: 1L boiled water + 9g salt (0.9%)

Sterilize equipment by boiling if possible. Emphasis on cleanliness to prevent infection.

Complications of Enema

Rectal Irritation
Mucosal damage
Abdominal Cramps
During/after administration
Electrolyte Imbalance
Repeated enemas
Perforation
Rare but serious
Infection
Poor technique
Vasovagal Response
Syncope, bradycardia

📚 Memory Aids & Key Points

IV Cannula Selection

Large (14-16G): “Orange/Grey for Trauma & Surgery”
Medium (18G): “Green for General Use”
Small (20-24G): “Pink/Blue/Yellow for Fragile Veins”

NG Tube Placement Check

5 Methods:
1. Aspirate gastric contents (pH <5.5)
2. X-ray confirmation (gold standard)
3. Listen for air insufflation
4. Visual inspection of aspirate
5. Capnography if available

Catheterization Tips

  • Men: “Lift and Straighten”
  • Women: “Separate and Visualize”
  • Always: “Lubricate Generously”
  • Never: “Force the Catheter”

🩺 Clinical Tips & Best Practices

Universal Principles

  • Always obtain informed consent
  • Maintain strict aseptic technique
  • Ensure adequate patient preparation
  • Provide privacy and dignity
  • Document everything thoroughly

Patient Comfort

  • Use distraction techniques
  • Apply local anesthetic when possible
  • Maintain clear communication
  • Monitor for pain/discomfort
  • Provide aftercare instructions

Safety Measures

  • Double-check equipment functionality
  • Have emergency equipment available
  • Follow sharps safety protocols
  • Monitor for complications
  • Know when to seek assistance

HA Basic Medical Procedure Unit 5 Invasive Procedures Notes
HA Basic Medical Procedure Unit 5 Invasive Procedures Notes

Topic Tags

Invasive Procedures
IV Cannulation
Nasogastric Tube
NG Tube Insertion
Urinary Catheterization
Foley Catheter
Enema Administration
Clinical Skills
Procedure Technique
IV Cannula Sizes
Tube Feeding
Gastric Decompression
Bladder Drainage
Bowel Preparation
Constipation Management
Aseptic Technique
Procedure Complications
Patient Safety
Healthcare Procedures
Medical Techniques

📋 Summary & Key Points

  • IV Cannulation: Choose appropriate gauge based on purpose, monitor for complications
  • NG Tube: Always confirm placement before use, provide meticulous nasal/oral care
  • Catheterization: Use strict aseptic technique, minimize duration to reduce UTI risk
  • Enema: Use correct solution and temperature, monitor for adverse reactions
  • Universal Principles: Informed consent, aseptic technique, patient comfort, thorough documentation
  • Complications: Know early signs and appropriate management for each procedure
  • Local Adaptations: Learn to adapt procedures for resource-limited settings safely

For more resources, contact via WhatsApp: 9816819593 or visit CTEVT Nepal

📥 Download & Contact

Download complete notes and procedure checklists for offline study. HA Basic Medical Procedure Unit 5 Invasive Procedures Notes

Contact for more:

WhatsApp: 9816819593

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