The FDA released this alert a few days ago: Triad Group Issues a Voluntary Nationwide Recall of All Lots of Alcohol Prep Pads, Alcohol Swabs, and Alcohol Swabsticks Due to Potential Microbial Contamination What??? Are you serious? We use these products to disinfect areas such as skin, injection ports, connectors, etc… prior to injection or…
Over the years, I’ve noticed certain terms often misused and misunderstood by nurses which can lead to false assumptions, misinterpretations and yes, confusion. Here’s some of those terms: Standards of Care Standards of Practice Policies and Procedures Practice Guidelines Protocols Often I hear these terms used interchangeably. To help clear up the confusion, let’s define…
The last day of the year and yes, 2010 went by so fast. I consider myself lucky for it was a good year f0r me professionally and an equally good year for this blog as well. Through this blog, I have met so many wonderful individuals, learned so much from them, and very grateful for…
… bloody, as in blood return… which, to an infusion nurse is truly exhilarating! When I am challenged to insert a 24g peripheral IV catheter in a tiny, invisible vein of a dehydrated infant, I jump for joy as I watch anxiously for the blood return and pray that blood continues to backflow as I…
A Class I recall is the most serious type of recall. In a Class I recall, there is a reasonable chance that the product will cause serious health problems or death. The FDA issued a Class I recall of the following huber needles: Multi-Med, Inc. 22 Gauge x 1 inch straight Huber needles Model 10600218,…
In case you missed it, here’s a summary of IV tips posted on Twitter in February. Central Venous Catheters (CVC): All CVC should produce a free flowing brisk blood return upon aspiration without having the patient do shoulder/arm movements. o It is not acceptable if patients have to do shoulder and/or arm movements in order…
At some point within the last 5 years, I am certain that all of us received some sort of training on how to prevent or reduce the incidence of catheter related blood stream infections (CR-BSI) associated with CVC. One of the things we’ve learned is in addition to the catheter hub, components of the IV…
RED is the color of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love. Today, many are wearing RED to celebrate Valentine’s day or some may be wearing RED to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, the year of the Tiger. RED in…
In case you missed it, here’s a summary of the IV tips I posted on Twitter in January. Lucky Tourniquet: Do you know some nurses won’t get rid of their “lucky tourniquet” for fear they can’t start an IV without it? Single use only please.. • Unless cleaned in between patient use, IV tourniquet should…
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