I distributed an IV Tip of the Month through-out the hospital related to using the most appropriate size angio cath I got from the IV-Therapy web site, with the hopes that people would look at the recommendations and think about phlebitis prevention. In specific I used info from the tip with the remark that said to d/c the post op angio within 24hrs.
 Well I got a week long tongue lashing from OR nurses about increasing the risk for infections because there are pts that need to come back the next day (I & D pts) and that the holding room is having an increase number of IV restarts becuase the floor nurses are removing the surgery IV angio's.Â
I have researched INS policy and procedurs, Lippincott Nursing procedures and cannot find any informatin backing the removal of the sx IV catheter. Can someone offer me help?
Are you confusing the need to remove catheters started during an emergent situation with those started in a pre-op setting? CDC and INS state to remove and reinsert a new catheter when it has been started during an emergent situation where proper skin antisepsis was not possible.
I do remember a study several years ago that stated that restarting a PIV used during anesthesia would reduce the incidence of phlebitis. Can not remember the author or any more details of it though.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
www.hadawayassociates.com
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861