Preventing chemotherapy prescribing errors by nurse verification
This article demonstrates how the review of chemotherapy orders by a designated nurse known as a verification nurse (VN) at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center helps to identify prescribing errors…” Baldwin and Rodriguez (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The prevalence of medication errors associated with chemotherapy administration is not precisely known. Little evidence exists concerning […]
Ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous cannulation in the internal jugular vein
The objective of the study is to evaluate the immediate and short-term incidence of complications after USPIV placement in IJ of DVA patients” Kiefer et al (2015). Abstract: RATIONALE: Difficult vascular access (DVA) is a common problem. Placement of ultrasound-guided standard length catheters (ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous [USPIV]) in the internal jugular (IJ) vein is a […]
Nurse-administered propofol sedation for endoscopic procedures
The aims of this study were to investigate the efficacy of intermittent deep sedation with propofol for a large cohort of advanced endoscopies and to provide data on the safety” Jensen et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Whereas data on moderate nurse-administered propofol sedation (NAPS) efficacy and safety for standard endoscopy is abundant, […]
Elastomeric infusion device fill and flow rate reviewed
The Ambu Smart-Infuser Pain Pump and the On-Q Pump with Select-a-Flow Variable Rate Controller are elastomeric devices with a flow regulator that controls the rate of infusion of a local anesthetic agent through a peripheral catheter” Iliev et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Ambu Smart-Infuser Pain Pump and the On-Q Pump with Select-a-Flow Variable Rate […]
Reducing the number of peripheral vascular access devices inserted in the ED
The aim of this study was to assess the proportion of unused ED inserted PIVCs in a before-and-after interventional study” Decker et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Growing research suggests that a large number of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) inserted in the Emergency Department (ED) are unused. The aim of this study was to assess the […]
The human experience with intravenous Levodopa administration
To compile a comprehensive summary of published human experience with levodopa given intravenously, with a focus on information required by regulatory agencies” Siddiqi et al (2016). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To compile a comprehensive summary of published human experience with levodopa given intravenously, with a focus on information required by regulatory agencies. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… The […]
HeRo catheter in catheter for dialysis patients with superior vena cava occlusion
At our institution we have used the inside-out central venous access technique (IOCVA) to traverse an occluded vena cava for HeRO graft placement. We review our experience with this technique” Davis et al (2016). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Hemodialysis (HD) patients with superior vena cava (SVC) occlusion have limited access options. Femoral access is commonly employed but […]
Study considers glycemic control in critically ill patients
Under routine conditions and under different nutritional protocols the Space GlucoseControl system with integrated eMPC algorithm has exhibited its suitability for glycaemia control in critically ill patients” Blaha et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Glycaemia control (GC) remains an important therapeutic goal in critically ill patients. The enhanced Model Predictive Control (eMPC) algorithm, which models the […]
Diagnosing CRBSI and preventing unnecessary central venous access device removal
Lack of in situ diagnostic techniques requires device removal if CR-BSI is suspected with 75-85% of catheters withdrawn unnecessarily” Evans et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: One of the most common and potentially fatal complications in critically ill burns patients is catheter related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI). Lack of in situ diagnostic techniques requires device removal if […]
Vascular access working group of the Italian Society of Nephrology describe vascular access in the elderly
The aim of this position statement, prepared by experts of the Vascular Access Working Group of the Italian Society of Nephrology, is to critically review the current evidence on VA in elderly HD patients” Lomonte et al (2016). Abstract: The incident hemodialysis (HD) population is aging, and the elderly group is the one with the […]
Evidence-based intravenous fluid replacement in the ICU reviewed
The article reviews the evidence on diagnosis and treatment of hypovolemia and discusses the use of balanced solutions and early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) in septic shock resuscitation” Schindler and Marx (2016). Abstract: PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Evidence-based fluid therapy is complicated by blurred boundaries toward other fields of therapy and the majority of trials not focusing […]
How experienced are graduating medical students at skills such as venipuncture
Venipuncture, suturing, and Foley catheter placement were the only procedures which greater than 50% of students had performed more than 5 times” Barr and Graffeo (2016). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Bedside procedures are a vital component of patient care-particularly for surgeons. Anecdotal evidence and previous studies from individual institutions reveal a lack of exposure to these interventions […]
Comparison of central venous catheter tip culture techniques for suspected CRBSI
Our objective was to assess the yield of the Maki technique followed by sonication in the detection of adult CT colonization and catheter-related bloodstream infection (C-RBSI)” Guembe et al (2016). Abstract: The Maki technique is the standard method for detecting catheter tip (CT) colonization. However, some “multi-lumen” catheters finish in a vaulted fornix and end at […]
Outcome of totally implantable central venous-access port-related infections
We aimed to study factors associated with the outcome of totally implantable venous-access port (TIVAP)-related infections” Vidal et al (2016). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: We aimed to study factors associated with the outcome of totally implantable venous-access port (TIVAP)-related infections. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… Outcome of totally implantable central venous-access port-related infections http://ctt.ec/dZ273+ @ivteam #ivteam” coverup=”dZ273″] PATIENTS […]
Most effective skin antisepsis prior to vascular access procedures
Midway through this period, antisepsis for arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) and central venous catheters (CVC) changed from 0.5% chlorhexidine solution to 2% chlorhexidine solution” Stewart et al (2015). Abstract: This study examined all cases of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) in the haemodialysis cohort at the Royal Darwin Hospital, Australia over a seven-year period. Midway through this […]
Treating ESBL-EC UTIs in an outpatient intravenous therapy setting
We evaluated the outcomes of amikacin outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) for UTIs caused by ESBL-EC in patients not pre-treated with carbapenem” Cho et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND/AIMS: The number of urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) is increasing. In an outpatient setting, there are limited therapeutic options to treat […]
Ultrasound guided axillary vein vascular access
Axillary vein catheterization via a distal approach is an alternative to the proximal approach to axillary/subclavian vein catheterization under ultrasound (US) guidance. The aim of this trial was to compare the two approaches” Buzançais et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Axillary vein catheterization via a distal approach is an alternative to the proximal approach to axillary/subclavian […]
CDC discuss central line-associated bloodstream infection rate accuracy
To determine the influence of the definition on the rate of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and compare the clinical characteristics of MBI versus non-MBI LCBI cases” Torres et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The US National Healthcare Safety Network has provided a definition of mucosal barrier injury-associated, laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (MBI-LCBI) to improve infection surveillance. […]
Using systematic quantitative blood cultures to diagnose CLABSI
A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the usefulness of systematic quantitative blood culture (QBC) in the diagnosis of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) during two 1-year periods” Planes et al (2016). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the usefulness of systematic quantitative blood culture (QBC) in the diagnosis of catheter-related bloodstream infection […]
Alternative vascular access sites for tunnelled central venous catheters
Right EJV might be superior to left IJV as an alternative insertion route for TDC placement in hemodialysis patients whose right IJVs are unavailable” Wang et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Right internal jugular vein (IJV) is a preferred access route for tunneled (cuffed) dialysis catheters (TDCs), and both right external jugular vein (EJV) and left […]
Alcohol-dispensing disinfection cap for IV catheters form part of a CLABSI bundle
To reduce BSIs, the hospital first implemented an alcohol-dispensing disinfection cap and then added 3 more interventions, with both the cap-only phase and the multipronged phase successfully lowering the hospital’s BSI rate” Pavia and Mazza (2016). Abstract: A specialized pediatric hospital serves many patients with short bowel syndrome. The patients’ fecal residue plus frequent access […]
Influence of the central venous site on the transpulmonary thermodilution parameters
The aim of this study was to verify the measurement concordance of cardiac index (CI), extra-vascular lung water index (EVLWI) and global end diastolic volume index (GEDVI) with transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD) between the jugular and femoral access with catheters inserted ipsilaterally in critically ill burn patients” Soussi et al (2015). Abstract: The aim of this […]
Insertion of PICC via the scalp veins is feasible in neonates
Insertion of PICC via the scalp veins are feasible and not associated with higher complication rates compared with insertions via other sites” Callejas et al (2015). Abstract: Objective: To describe the use and complications of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) via scalp veins in neonates. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… Insertion of PICC via the scalp […]
PICC care training is reviewed in this article
This article describes the evaluation of a new PICC care training programme that was developed and implemented to increase knowledge and awareness” Purran et al (2016). Abstract: An integrated care organisation requires a flexible workforce with a variable skill mix in all care settings. Organisations should ensure that education and training are maintained to support […]
Comparison of family care or nursing care standards of devices such as PICC
There was no statistically significant difference in outcomes of patients nursed by family members when compared to the patients looked after by professional nurses” Khan et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Neuro-rehabilitation is an important aspect of continuing care for neurosurgical patients with functional disability. In developing countries, where formal home nursing is frequently unavailable, ensuring […]
Fractured central venous catheter is cause of ventricular tachycardia
On postoperative day 4 he presented with bouts of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia; the cause was unknown initially and later attributed to a catheter fragment accidentally severed and lodged in the right heart” Biswas and McNerney (2015). Abstract: A 22-year-old male admitted with multiple gunshot wounds (GSW) had central line placed initially for hemodynamic monitoring and […]
What is your diagnosis if one central venous catheter port will not aspirate blood
The absence of free flow on aspiration from one lumen of a central catheter should not be undervalued” Pereira et al (2016). Abstract: We present two cases of misplaced central venous catheters having in common the absence of free blood return from one lumen immediately after placement. The former is a case of right hydrothorax […]
Phlebotomy history identified in medieval art
Phlebotomy is one of the oldest forms of therapy, widely spread in medieval times” Pajić and Jurišić (2015). Abstract: The topic of this study are representations of lancet or phlebotome in frescoes and icons of Serbian medieval art. The very presence of this medical instrument in Serbian medieval art indicates its usage in Serbian medical […]
Will butterfly needles for phlebotomy reduce the incidence of hemolysis
Use of a butterfly-only phlebotomy protocol cuts hemolysis rates by more than half when compared with IV catheter phlebotomy” Barnaby et al (2016). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The objective was to test the hypothesis that exclusive use of butterfly needles for phlebotomy, compared with sample collection via intravenous (IV) catheter, will reduce rates of sample hemolysis. [ctt […]
Empathy and stress in nurses working in haemodialysis
To explore the concepts of empathy and stress in nurses working in haemodialysis units in France and their possible interactions” Vioulac et al (2016). Abstract: Aims: To explore the concepts of empathy and stress in nurses working in haemodialysis units in France and their possible interactions. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… Empathy and stress in nurses […]