….as in positive blood return when aspirating from central venous catheters (CVC). Positive blood return means a free flowing blood return easily obtained on aspiration, and the color of whole blood. In other words, bloody RED, not pink-tinged. What a great feeling, knowing that the CVC is properly functioning and ready to use. NOT able to…
We will always remember…..September 11, 2001. It was a day no one would ever forget. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing at the time. I remember feeling lucky that although I was at an airport, I was not on an airplane. We will always be grateful to the courageous firefighters,…
The Infusion Nurse Blog is now “FIVE” years old!!! Happy 5 year Blog Anniversary!!! I am sincerely grateful and humbled as our readers and site numbers continue to grow each year. It is my hope that you will continue to visit, read, post comments, and subscribe to my blog posts. Thank you so much for…
Q: I am a new RN and was always told that I can use a BP cuff to distend the veins for IV starts instead of a tourniquet. Can you tell me how high should I pump the cuff? A: BP cuff is one method that can be used for vein distention while assessing veins…
Q: You will think I am a complete idiot but please explain when is a single use syringe considered used? I need to explain to my practice manager why I can’t re-use a syringe while reconstituting a powdered medication for injection. My practice manager is complaining that I am using too many syringes and needles which…
I know, this may come as a surprise to all of you, but the truth is, I have seen many nurses (even those highly trained and specialized) both in hospitals and outpatient settings, use the same alcohol swab over and over. Imagine this scenario where a nurse is ready to withdraw medication from several vials.…
Don’t you just hate it when you stick a perfectly good vein and end up going through the vein? Can you tell when the tip of the needle and the tip of the catheter have entered the vein to know when to advance the catheter into the vein? As I always do, here’s my disclaimer…
At every INS Annual Meeting, the exhibit hall is the one of the highlights of the week. I am very grateful to all the vendors who were there whether they had something new to show or not because their products contribute greatly to patient care and safety. Their willingness to educate nurses is always appreciated.…
1. The ASHP Guidelines on Home Infusion Pharmacy Services – defines the role of the pharmacist in providing home infusion care to patients and to outline minimum requirements (indicated by use of the word “shall”) and best practices for the operation and management of services provided by pharmacies in the home or alternate-site setting. Home…
It just doesn’t seem right that the national crisis with “drug shortages” would include large volume (1000mL) IV solutions we commonly administer to our patients: 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection Lactated Ringer’s Injection 5% Dextrose Injection But the reality is there is a shortage, IV saline solution, in particular is on…
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