Threading failure: rescue in long axis

Question 1The needle tip is in the vein but the catheter will not advance. What do you do first?

1. aPush the catheter harder
2. bIncrease the probe pressure
3. cWithdraw the needle completely and start again without looking
4. dStop pushing, keep the needle still and rotate the probe to long axis

Question 2Which finding in long axis explains a catheter that will not thread?

1. aThe tip lies against the side wall, or a valve or bend lies ahead
2. bA bright gel layer above the skin
3. cA wide, straight vein with the tip in the centre
4. dA pulsating vessel under the needle

Question 3Why flatten the needle angle before you advance the catheter?

1. aIt makes the vein larger
2. bIt prevents backflow
3. cThe needle then runs along the vein instead of into the wall
4. dIt lets you skip the long-axis check

Question 4What is the main benefit of short axis in this procedure?

1. aIt shows valves along the vein
2. bIt is easiest for finding the vein and entering it
3. cIt shows the catheter along its whole length
4. dIt removes the need for a tourniquet