Contraindications
• With the risk of extravasation of irritating or tissue-injuring solutions (colchicine, phenytoin, vasoconstrictors, and others) or suboptimal volume flow, peripheral IVs should not be placed in extremities with:
o Massive edema
o Burns
o Sclerosis
o Phlebitis
o Thrombosis
• Extremities ipsilateral to radical mastectomy or dialysis grafts should be avoided but may be used in urgent conditions when no other peripheral IV access sites exist
• Veins that drain from area of neck trauma or into an affected traumatic extremity or the side of a chest or abdominal trauma
• Sites of cellulitis (bacteremia)
• Extremities with shunts or fistulas (shunt infections or thrombosis)
• IV access in feet or ankles is suboptimal for long-term use but may suffice in emergencies