A Nurse-Led Ultrasound-Enhanced Vascular Access Preservation Program. Issue 12 (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reeves, Turena; Morrison, Dolores; Altmiller, Gerry
• Is Part Of: American journal of nursing. Volume 117:Issue 12(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: peripherally inserted central catheter -- ultrasound -- vascular access -- vessel preservation; Nursing -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 610.7305
• DOI: 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000527490.24610.51
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-936X

Abstract

Abstract : N/A: Insertion of peripheral iv catheters is a common practice in medical–surgical care settings. The frequency with which attempts are made to insert catheters causes rapid peripheral vessel depletion (a reduction in the number of usable veins), leading to the overuse of unnecessary central line catheters. Reducing central line–associated bloodstream infections is a national health care priority. In this quality improvement report, the authors describe the implementation of a nurse-led vascular access preservation program using ultrasound technology as a method to reduce the use of nonessential peripherally inserted central catheters. Abstract : How one institution reduced its catheter failure rate and use of nonessential peripherally inserted central catheters by initiating a practice change involving an ultrasound-guided insertion technique.