Forum topic

5 posts / 0 new

Sun, 08/05/2007 - 17:46

Debbie Stott

Using 24 gauge angio catheter to administer chemotherapy, when MD not willing to place central catheter

My first question is concerning using 24 gauge angio catheter toÂ administerÂ chemotherapy, when patient has poor venous access. Is anyone doing thisÂ asÂ standard practice? I am in a new position and our physicians areÂ reluctantÂ to have implanted ports or central lines place. Commonly we avoid givingÂ vesicant thru 24 gauge catheters but occasionally it is the only access weÂ have available.

Mon, 08/06/2007 - 05:30

Heather Nichols

See my comment on "Infusing

See my comment on "Infusing Vesicants" on the forum. I explain this there.

Heather

Mon, 08/06/2007 - 08:28

lynncrni

If you do not have a CVC,

If you do not have a CVC, and must give any vesicant through peripheral veins, a 24 gauge is the catheter of choice. Small gauge = more blood flowing around the catheter and less vein trauma from the catheter itself. I would always use a 24 g in these situations. However, you have a much larger problem because the standard of care from INS and ONS is to avoid using peripheral veins for vesicant medications. You need to educate your physicians on the risk of infiltration, extravasation, and vein wasting. 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

Wed, 08/08/2007 - 11:48

Patty Luptak

My question is why are your

My question is why are your physicians reluctant to place ports in patients? I guess it is not there veins being destroyed. I agree with Lynn they need educated and if that doesn't work, then you need to educate the patients to start asking for ports and refuse treatments unless they get a port if that is the only way these docs will wake up. Doctors will listen to patients and patients are savy about these things now so maybe patient education is the way to go. I usually tell patients in my Cancer Support Group to ask for a port the very first round of chemo, particularly if they are young. You need to preserve your vessels for the rest of your life.

Patty

Wed, 08/08/2007 - 15:53

(Reply to #4) #5

lynncrni

I definitely agree about the

I definitely agree about the patient education approach!! This is the best way to change the physicians! Lynn