PICC Line Insertion
What is a PICC? Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are catheters that consist of a small catheter…
catheters
Implementing a Care Bundle Strategy for Short Peripheral Intravenous Catheters (PIVC)
A Short Peripheral Intravenous Catheter (short PIVC) is “an over-the-needle catheter with a hollow metal stylet (needle)…
Flushing Vascular Access Devices
Flushing of vascular access devices is a well-established standard of care. According to the Infusion Nurses Society,…
Infiltration and Extravasation
Infusions Nurses Society (INS) definitions: Infiltration: Inadvertent administration of a non-vesicant solution or medication into surrounding tissue;…
Types of PIVC: Midlines
To better understand midlines, it helps to define peripheral intravenous catheters, as midlines fall under this category…
Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT) and Defining Key-Parts and Key-Sites
The INS Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice (the Standards) has introduced a new, dedicated standard for aseptic…
Proper Tip Location for a Vascular Access Device
Performance of a central venous access device (CVAD) is directly related to the position of the terminal…
Indications for use of a Peripheral Inserted Central Catheter
What is a PICC line? The Infusion Nurses Society’s definition of a Peripheral Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)…
Deep Vein Thrombosis: Risk Factors, Detection, Treatment, and Prevention
Deep vein thrombosis, also known as DVT, is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms…
The Basics of Flushing & Locking a Vascular Access Device
According to the Infusion Nurses Society, there are two purposes for flushing a vascular access device 1) to…
What is Hemodialysis?
While healthy kidneys have several functions in the body, the most well-known job is to remove toxins and extra…
What is a Central Venous Catheter?
The CDC definition of a central venous catheter, also known as a central line, is a tube…
Avoiding Extravasation in Your Patient’s Vascular Access Device
Infiltration is one of the most common complications of intravenous infusion therapy. Extravasation is infiltration with a…
What is a Midline Catheter?
A midline catheter, defined by Infusion Nurses Society, is a vascular access device intended for placement into…