Pressure in Wound Irrigation: Which Syringe to Use?

To deliver the ideal pressure of 8 pounds per square inch (psi) when irrigating a wound, the nurse should use the 18-gauge catheter with a syringe. The size of the syringe (30-mL or 60-mL) does not affect the pressure being delivered but rather the volume.

The pressure can be supplied by an IV bottle with the surface of the saline solution 1.61 m above the entrance to the needle. This is calculated based on the height of the fluid and the blood pressure in the vein.

It is important for nurses to ensure the correct pressure is maintained when irrigating a wound to effectively clean the area and prevent infection. By using the 18-gauge catheter, the nurse can deliver the ideal pressure of 8 psi to provide optimal care for the patient's wound.