Identify the Cannula used in infants as per the image:

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO- 2019

Explanation

The image shows an IV cannula with a yellow color-coded hub.
In the standard color-coding system for IV cannulas, yellow signifies a 24-gauge (24G) size.
A 24G cannula is appropriate for infants and pediatric patients due to their small and delicate veins.
The flow rate for a 24G cannula is approximately 20 mL/min, suitable for routine fluid and medication administration in this population.

Option A: A 20-gauge cannula is color-coded pink. It has a larger diameter and is generally too large for the small veins of an infant, increasing the risk of trauma and infiltration.
Option B: A 22-gauge cannula is color-coded blue. While sometimes used in older children, it is often still too large for infants and is not represented by the yellow color in the image.
Option D: A 26-gauge cannula is color-coded violet. Although it is used for neonates and infants (especially for scalp veins), the cannula in the image is yellow, which corresponds to 24G.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of IV cannula gauge based on the universal color-coding system as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Selecting the appropriate IV cannula size is a critical nursing skill to ensure patient safety and treatment efficacy.
Using a cannula that is too large for the vein can cause pain, mechanical phlebitis, infiltration, and vessel damage.
Using a cannula that is too small may not allow for the required flow rate, especially in emergencies or during blood transfusions.

How to Approach the Question

This is an image-based identification question.
First, carefully observe the image to identify the key feature of the medical device shown. In this case, the defining feature is the yellow color of the IV cannula's hub.
Second, access your knowledge of the standard color-coding system for medical equipment, specifically for IV cannulas.
Third, recall or deduce that the color yellow corresponds to a specific gauge size.
Finally, match this gauge size (24G) with the given options to select the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification of IV cannula gauge based on the universal color-coding system.
Stem keywords: Cannula, infants, image
Lead-in keywords: Identify
Clinical cues: The yellow color of the cannula hub is the primary clinical cue for identification.

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor pp. 1092-1094, 819-821

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