USC Anesthesia Sub-I
Prepare the room
Photo lesson · 6 steps · ~4 min

Assemble an IV start kit

A self-contained bundle your resident can grab: three catheters, a primed flush on an extension, prep and gauze — wrapped in the tourniquet.

Find supplies
What you need (6)
IV start kit (top-right bin)BD SmartSite extension set10 mL saline flushIV catheters 16, 18, 20 GAlcohol pads4×4 gauze
0 of 6 steps done
  1. 1 / 2
    1Step 1 of 6 LA General workflow

    Grab an IV start kit and open it

    Do
    Take an IV start kit from the top-right bin and open it.
    Why
    The kit holds the dressing, prep and tourniquet.
    Check
    Read the contents list on the package.
  2. 1 / 2
    2Step 2 of 6 LA General workflow

    Get an extension set

    Do
    Take a BD SmartSite needle-free extension set.
    Why
    Lets the team flush and connect without moving the catheter.
    Check
    Package intact.
  3. 1 / 2
    3Step 3 of 6 Standard practice

    Prime the extension with a flush

    Do
    Take a 10 mL saline flush (small blue counter bin), attach it to the extension and push saline through until no air remains. Clamp it.
    Why
    A ready flush checks patency the moment the IV is in.
    Check
    No air in the extension; clamp closed; ends capped.
  4. 4Step 4 of 6 LA General workflow

    Add three catheters: 16, 18, 20 G

    Do
    Add a 16 G, 18 G and 20 G catheter.
    Why
    Your resident picks the size based on the vein and the case. Hub colors: 16 G gray · 18 G green · 20 G pink.
    Check
    Gauges printed on each wrapper.
  5. 5Step 5 of 6 LA General workflow

    Add alcohol pads and gauze

    Do
    Add 2–3 alcohol pads and a few 4×4 gauze.
    Why
    Prep and pressure.
    Check
    Enough of each.
  6. 1 / 3
    6Step 6 of 6 LA General workflow

    Bundle it with the tourniquet

    Do
    Put everything in the kit bag and wrap the tourniquet around the bundle.
    Why
    One grab — nothing falls out.
    Check
    Catheters, primed flush, pads, gauze, dressing all inside.
    Say
    “IV kit’s ready: 16, 18, 20, primed flush on an extension.”

Common errors

  • Air left in the extension
  • Opening sterile catheter wrappers early
  • Forgetting the transparent dressing (it’s in the kit — confirm)

Teach it back

Teach-back
What do you do if a primed connector touches an unclean surface?
Answer
Stop and replace that component per infection-control policy — a casual wipe is not an assumed fix.

Compare with the finished setup

The whole morning setup. Your resident and the case decide the final equipment.

Done with this part?

Mark it prepared in your room checklist, then review it with your resident.

Next: Fluids & tubing
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