Is there a way to ask a research question regarding IV therapy? I want to know if there is a difference between using a catheter or a butterfly for frequent administration. Does the catheter leave more scar tissue, creating more phlebitis?
I just finished looking at this question for a new online CE program. I have never found any studies at all that look at the amount of scar tissue formed by each type of catheter. However, there is a lot of data on the fact that winged steel needles carry a much greater risk of infiltration/extravasation and should only be used for drawing blood samples. It is never appropriate to use them for infusion of anything, especially any medication that must infuse over any length of time with the nurse not being present for the complete infusion. Many medications are vesicants including vancomycin, potassium, etc. So this is not just limited to cancer drugs. Use a small gauge short peripheral catheter for all infusions.
I am looking for evidence that would support moving from the steel butterly needles to catheters for SQ infusions or frequent injections which require the device to remain insitu, unsupervised. The INS standards address this for peripheral IVs. Unfortunately, this is not sufficient for the administrators I'm working with. If anyone can provide references that would help support this change in practice, I would really appreciate it!
See INS standard #60 Continuous Subcutaneous Infusion and Access Devices. 6 references listed about SC access device but I can't quote what they say. Lynn
I just finished looking at this question for a new online CE program. I have never found any studies at all that look at the amount of scar tissue formed by each type of catheter. However, there is a lot of data on the fact that winged steel needles carry a much greater risk of infiltration/extravasation and should only be used for drawing blood samples. It is never appropriate to use them for infusion of anything, especially any medication that must infuse over any length of time with the nurse not being present for the complete infusion. Many medications are vesicants including vancomycin, potassium, etc. So this is not just limited to cancer drugs. Use a small gauge short peripheral catheter for all infusions.
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
I am looking for evidence that would support moving from the steel butterly needles to catheters for SQ infusions or frequent injections which require the device to remain insitu, unsupervised. The INS standards address this for peripheral IVs. Unfortunately, this is not sufficient for the administrators I'm working with. If anyone can provide references that would help support this change in practice, I would really appreciate it!
Daphne Broadhurst
Desjardins Pharmacy
Ottawa ON
Daphne Broadhurst
Desjardins Pharmacy
Ottawa, Canada
See INS standard #60 Continuous Subcutaneous Infusion and Access Devices. 6 references listed about SC access device but I can't quote what they say. Lynn
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