Peripheral line dead space: an unrecognised phenomenon?. Issue 8 (25th July 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Geggie, Dave; Moore, Deborah
• Is Part Of: Emergency medicine journal. Volume 24:Issue 8(2007)
• Page Start: 558
• Page End: 559
• Publication Date: 2007-07-25
• Subjects: Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; 616.02505
• DOI: 10.1136/emj.2007.046250
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-0205

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To determine if peripheral intravenous cannula dead space is taken into account when setting up intravenous infusions (in particular nitrate infusions) in the emergency department. Method: A postal survey of UK emergency departments. Results: Of the 143 (58%) of UK departments who responded, only 15% reported priming the cannula before commencing the nitrate infusion. Conclusions: Knowledge of peripheral intravenous cannula dead space in UK emergency departments is very poor and, as a result, there is probably significant widespread under treatment of patients in severe cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. Departments should amend their treatment guidelines to take account of peripheral cannula dead space