Which gauge cannula in the picture below is used in children?

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO - 2018

Explanation

The image shows a yellow IV cannula, which is universally color-coded as 24 gauge (24G).
A 24G cannula is recommended for pediatric and neonatal patients because their veins are smaller and more fragile.
This size allows for safe venous access while minimizing trauma and complications like phlebitis or infiltration in children.
The flow rate of a 24G cannula (around 20 mL/min) is suitable for the maintenance fluid requirements of most pediatric patients.

Option A: A 20G cannula (pink) has a larger diameter and is generally used for routine infusions and blood transfusions in adults. It is typically too large for the small veins of most young children.
Option C: An 18G cannula (green) is a large-bore cannula used for rapid fluid administration, trauma, and major surgery, primarily in adults. Its size would cause significant pain and damage to a child's vein.
Option D: A 22G cannula (blue) is smaller than 18G and 20G, but still larger than 24G. While it can be used in older children or adolescents, the 24G (yellow) is the standard and preferred choice for infants and younger children.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain IV Cannula Gauge and Color Coding 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 in a pediatric patient can lead to complications such as infiltration, extravasation, phlebitis, and nerve damage, causing unnecessary pain and delaying treatment.
A nurse must always assess the patient's vein size, age, and the purpose of the infusion before selecting a cannula.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key object in the image, which is a yellow IV cannula.
Recall the standard color-coding system for IV cannula gauges. Associate the color yellow with its corresponding gauge size.
The question asks which cannula is used in children. Connect the identified gauge size with its typical patient population.
Evaluate the given options (20G, 24G, 18G, 22G) to find the one that matches your identification.
Confirm that 24G is the standard size for pediatric patients, especially infants and young children.
Select the option that correctly identifies the gauge of the yellow cannula shown.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor pp. 819-821, 798-800

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