I believe you are definitely on the right track for all the reasons
you mentioned. There are no published studies yet of catheter
outcomes when US has been used. I also agree that if veins are this
difficult to locate and access, another type of vascular access is
indicated both for clinical and financial reasons. Sure wish someone
would publish on this! Lynn
At 10:39 AM -0400 5/17/06, Laura Cook RN wrote:
I discourage the practice of starting peripheral IV's using the u/s
at our hospital...unless it is in an emergent situation. If the
patient requires an IV using the u/s, how will the their next IV
need to be obtained? Would they be better off by placing a PICC or
midline?
We noticed an increased rate of phlebitis when we started using the
u/s to start peripheral IV sites. Could it be in relation to using
the non sterile u/s gel...or the inability to apply tension on the
vein while holding the u/s ...or using veins that are too deep to be
accessed using a peripheral IV catheter. I also ask my nurses to
follow up with in 24 hours of insertion to assess if the patient
needs some other form of access....and do a site check on theIV.
Lynn, am I wrong for being so hesitant with this practice? What
does research say? Your feed back would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Laura
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Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RNC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
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