An observational study on nurses' practice in caring for peripherial intravenous lines

Abstract

The aim of this research study is to investigate nurses' practice in caring for peripheral intravenous lines. Peripheral intravenous lines are indispensable and vastly used in the clinical area. As there are many potential risks associated with peripheral intravenous lines, the nurse has an important role in reducing complications and incidence of infection associated with peripheral intravenous lines (The Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2002, Creamer et al, 2002). The aim of the study is to investigate local nursing practice during the care of peripheral intravenous line. A convenience sample of 10 nurses, who had worked in a surgical ward for one year and had no prior experience abroad were observed with the help of an observation checklist for 10 consecutive days, each session consisting of6 hours. The findings show that local nurses seem to be aware of the importance of observing for signs of inflammation on the peripheral intravenous site and are aware of the importance to remove a cannula when not used anymore. Stating so, findings suggest that improvements are needed when it comes to resiting a cannula after having stayed in situ for the recommended time, changing a peripheral intravenous line dressing when needed, document more adequately, maintaining a cannula patent through the recommended flushes and educate patients more intensely and frequently.

Since nursing practice when caring for peripheral intravenous lines is mostly based on nurses' discretion rather than on an established policy and research, peripheral intravenous line management guidelines and a policy should be introduced. Further research is suggested, including a larger scale observational study in order to investigate and improve nursing practice when caring for peripheral intravenous lines.