Place the wrist in extension as shown. Wrist splints can assist with proper positioning.
Palpate the radial artery pulse using the fingertips of your non-dominant hand.
A. Place the wrist in extension as shown. The use of wrist splints can assist with proper positioning during placement. The splint may be removed after placement is accomplished. B. Palpate the radial artery pulse located 1 to 2 cm from the wrist, between the bony head of the distal radius and the flexor carpi radialis tendon.
Clean the wrist with alcohol to sterilize the catheter insertion site.
Insert the needle/catheter assembly at a 45 degree angle over the site of arterial pulsation.
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