Are there any written standards or documented studies to substantiate the routine use of IV catheter extension sets upon peripheral IV catheter initiation? This is as opposed to attaching the IV connector directly to the peripheral IV catheter hub.
Thank you,
Rosa Lewis
There are no established standards about using an extension set in this manner because there are no studies highlighting the outcomes. But this is something that I strongly believe is necessary and I do teach its use in all my classes. The extension set moves the "business" end of the peripheral catheter away from the puncture site, resulting in less catheter movement when making the connection. The extension set has a clamp that can control the backflow of blood reducing the blood exposure to the nurse. It makes it so much easier to stop the infusion of continuous fluids and convert to a saline locked catheter. Much less disturbance of the catheter, dressing, vein, etc. We now see one peripheral catheter designed with a permanently attached extension set. I think they are necessary. 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