Final answer:
After the needle enters the vein and the first tube is attached, the tourniquet should be released and the patient's fist unclenched if necessary. The IV bag should be placed correctly to ensure proper fluid flow into the patient's arm. Aseptic techniques are essential during fluid transfer to prevent contamination.
Step-by-step explanation:
Procedure After Needle Insertion and Tube Attachment
Once the needle enters the vein and the first tube is attached during a blood draw or IV administration, the tourniquet should be released. At this point, the patient can be advised to unclench his fist if necessary. It is essential to ensure that the tourniquet is not left on for more than one minute to avoid discomfort or complications. For IV fluid administration, the IV bag must be correctly positioned to maintain the flow of fluids into the patient's arm. Normally, the IV bag is placed higher than 0.24 m above the entry point into the arm.
In the context of blood pressure measurements, an inflatable blood pressure cuff is used, not a tourniquet. This cuff is wrapped around the patient's arm and inflated, temporarily stopping blood flow, to measure blood pressure using a stethoscope to listen for Korotkoff sounds.
In any medical procedure that involves opening a sterile liquid container or transferring fluids, aseptic techniques should be used to minimize contamination risks. This includes techniques like angling the opening of tubes or bottles or passing them through a flame.