Peripheral venous catheterization (PIVC) is one of the most invasive procedures routinely performed by nurses. It is generally used for the infusion of drugs, fluids and blood components [1,2].

Peripheral venous catheterization placement can be more challenging and time-consuming in infants and young children, especially in emergency departments, due to smaller and less visible veins as well as parental stress [3]. Studies indicate that only 40–50 % of pediatric catheter placements succeed on the first attempt, often requiring multiple personnel and attempts with the process typically taking 20–30 min to complete successfully [[4], [5], [6]].

Peripheral intravenous catheterization can be affected by various factors, including the patient's age (adult, elderly, child, or infant), overall health condition, and the condition of the veins [7]. Also, repeated failures in the application of peripheral intravenous catheters by nurses can present a risk to patient safety and reduce patient comfort [8]. Therefore, utilizing evidence-based practices and establishing standardized procedures in peripheral intravenous catheterization are essential [[9], [10], [11], [12]]. International guidelines (Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), the Infusion Nurses Association (INS), etc.) provide recommendations for peripheral intravenous catheter applications. Additionally, documentation is important in PIVC management (Fig. 1).

In children, the diameter and length of the catheter are determined based on factors such as the patient’s age, diagnosis, vein condition, hydration status, and the type of medication or fluid therapy to be administered [13]. The Infusion Nurses Society's standards of practice recommend using 20 to 24G catheters for most infusion therapies. It has been noted that peripheral catheters larger than 20G carry a higher risk of causing phlebitis [13,14] The use of 22 to 26G catheters is recommended for neonates, pediatric patients, elderly adults, and individuals with limited venous access [15,16]. Catheter placement in pediatric patients is often challenging due to physiological factors. Although not desired, it has been reported that achieving successful placement may require many times attempts in some cases [16,17]. Approximately 50 % of pediatric PIVC catheterizations have been reported to be difficult, often requiring more than four attempts [17,18]. A study by Larsen et al. reported that nurses with more than one year of experience achieved higher success rates with PIVC catheterization [4]. It has been observed that 20–30 % of children make more than one attempt, and this rate increases to 50 % in children younger than one year [19]. If a patient has difficult intravenous access the risk of complications increases, requiring more nursing interventions and more time [20]. Improperly placed catheters and related management issues pose a significant patient safety concern. While clinical practice guidelines have been established for catheter placement and management, their effectiveness and applicability remain uncertain [13,21]. In their study, Larsen et al. (2010) emphasized that catheter placement in children under the age of 2 should be performed by experienced and skilled nurses [4]. The younger the patient, the more time and attempts are required to successfully place a catheter [6]. The Infusion Nurses Society [13], recommends the use of technology to assist with catheter placement in pediatric patients [22], training healthcare providers or nurses who perform the procedure [23], and creating decision-making algorithms and guidelines [24] to prevent and reduce catheter failure and complications.

The Broselow tape is one of the weight estimation methods. Although the Broselow tape is used as a weight estimation method, it also includes information on drug doses, equipment sizes (endotracheal and nasogastric tubes, peripheral intravenous catheters, etc.), and shock dosage to be used during defibrillator use. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of peripheral intravenous catheter recommended by the Broselow band according to the child's weight on the number of attempts, extravasation, accidental dislodgement, catheter indwelling time and reasons for catheter removal.