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Having a cannula

Date issued: May 2022

Review date: May 2024

Ref: C-495

PDF:  Having a cannula final May 2022.pdf [pdf] 676KB

You need a cannula

You may have heard your doctor or nurse mention that you need a cannula.

This is a funny sounding word; this is how you say it: can-you-la.

There are different reasons for needing a cannula.

Your body needs more fluids or nutrition.

You might have an infection and are waiting to find out which antibiotic you need to feel better.

You need to have your medicine through a drip as it does not come in a tablet.

What is a cannula?

A cannula is a very small, plastic tube which is put into one of your veins. Cannulas are not needles.

They are usually put in the back of your hand or in your arm; wherever your veins are good!

A cannula makes sure that your medicine/fluids/nutrition goes straight into your bloodstream. This helps it get around your body quicker.

If you are scared or nervous about it being put in please talk to the staff who can use a     special numbing cream or spray on your skin.

If the ward do not have this ask them to phone or page the  Learning Disability nurses.

The nurse or doctor will look at your hands and arms to find the best vein to put the cannula in.

You can talk to the nursing staff about:

· If you would like the

  • cannula on your left or right side.

  •  If you would prefer the cannula to go into your arm or hand.

The medical staff should explain if they have to put the cannula somewhere else for medical  reasons.

They might put a stretchy band around your arm or wrist as this makes your veins easier to see. 

It helps if you relax whilst the cannula is put in. You can rest your arm on a pillow; look away or talk to the staff.

Keeping the cannula in place:

The cannula is safely taped in place with a clear plaster. Try not to knock it as it might hurt a bit.

Your nurse will talk to you about how to keep your cannula dry whilst you wash. The cannula is waterproof but the plaster may start to unstick if it becomes too wet.

The cannula should not hurt when it is in place. It will be left in whilst you have your treatment.

If you feel any pain where the cannula has been put in; your skin goes red, feels hot or itchy then tell a nurse. The staff should check your cannula each day.

How long do I need the cannula?

Your nurse or doctor will explain why you need a cannula and how long it will probably need to stay in for.

Once you start to feel better, can swallow medication, liquids or food then the cannula should be taken out.

It is okay to:

  •  Ask questions about your cannula. (These can be written or drawn on page 8.)

  •  Ask if you can change to  medicine that you can swallow when the staff know why you are ill.

Taking the cannula out

You don’t have to look when the cannula is taken out. You can ask the staff to talk to you to take your mind off what is happening.

The green page of your hospital passport will help with this as the staff will know your likes and dislikes.

Men with hairy arms may feel the sticking plaster tug a little whilst it is being taken off but this should not hurt.

You may bleed for a little while and have a small bruise where the cannula went in; this is quite normal. Your nurse will check the area where your cannula went in.

 

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