I have been approached by one of my nurses who is interested in the possibility of developing a protocol for IV access for our sickle cell patients. We make every attempt to be proactive when it comes to the IV device that we advocate for. We have also noted some knowledge deficit with our physicians and unfortunately the patient suffers for it.Â
 Does anyone have some knowledge or insight into this issue?
Has anyone developed a protocol or algorithm for this population?
Thank you
What I have comes from being the IV nurse for numerous sickle cell patients in years gone by. I have seen so many with veins that are quite visible but hard as a rock and no possible way to get a PIV into them. I have also seen a patient with an implanted port that had a documented clot from the IJ extending all the way into the RA with the tip in the SVC. These patients require so much IV therapy, there veins are gone very early. Pain management is often inadequate driving some to use street drugs making their venous access problems far worse. I have never seen anything written addressing the needs of these patients but it is much needed.
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