DC a CVAD…

as in discontinuing (removal) a central venous access device. Certainly, many of us have discontinued a central venous access device (central line) before. No big deal, right?  One key element to remember when discontinuing a CVAD is to include precautions to prevent air embolism. Air embolism from removal of central lines can occur when a…

IV policies and procedures..

..many facilities/organizations have them, some don’t. Many nurses know what their IV policies and procedures are, others don’t have a clue or don’t even know they should have one. Others say…yeah, we do have them  but here’s what we do! Borrowed from a previous post- “Terms of Confusion” about  Policies and Procedures: Policies are the established rules…

The Magical 3…

Nope, it’s not about the three magi, triple crown or the blessed trinity. It’s about this blog being around for 3 years.  This week, the Infusion Nurse Blog is celebrating its 3rd year blog anniversary!!! As I always do at each anniversary, here are  the top five most read posts this year: 1.  “Just Say No”:…

How frequent should you check PIV sites?

In the past, we have routinely replaced peripheral IV catheters every 48-72hours. Since INS 2011 Standard for Infusion Nursing revised it to site rotation based on clinical indications, PIV site assessment is even more important now. So how frequent should you assess the patient’s peripheral IV site? According to the latest Position Paper from the Infusion…

Celebs have them too…

….vascular access devices, that is! Yes, just like our patients, many celebs have had a vascular access device placed to receive medical treatments. As an infusion nurse, I have made mental note of celebs who have publicly admitted they’ve had a PICC line or any other central venous access devices (sad, I know). And the…

Got Pain? There’s IV Acetaminophen for that…

Yes, if you haven’t heard yet, that over the counter acetaminophen in a bottle you have in your medicine cabinet, is now available as an intravenous infusion . IV acetaminophen (Ofirmev) is indicated  for the management of mild to moderate pain; the management of moderate to severe pain with adjunctive opioid analgesics; and the reduction of fever. It…

Poll Results: Gloves vs no gloves during vein palpation

The poll results are in: 1.  Do you think an RN should wear gloves when palpating for veins prior to venipuncture? Yes:  47 Votes    42% No:  65 Votes     58% 112 readers took the poll, and 58% said they think an RN should not wear gloves when palpating veins prior to venipuncture. 47% said they…

Vein Palpation: gloves vs no gloves – Take a poll

This is one of the frequent question I get when I am teaching a peripheral IV class. Of course, I have an answer (and opinion – no surprise there..:-) ) but before I share mine, please take this very short poll and let me know what you do or what you think.   The poll…