| Learning Objective #1: Identify a patient population who meets the criteria for safe and effective 120-hour dwell time with a peripheral vascular access device | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Apply the standards and guidelines of nursing practice and centers of disease control as they relates to peripheral vascular infusion |
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the dwell time and the incidence of complications for short, peripheral venous catheters (SPVC) in patients who received continuous heparin infusion therapy.
Design: A descriptive, retrospective design was used.
Population, Sample, Setting, Years: Adult patients in an acute care facility comprised the population. The sample consisted of 80 patients who were admitted to an urban hospital care system. The hospital had an infusion team consisting of registered nurses who were responsible for the placement of vascular access devices. Criteria for a convenience sample included: 1) continuous intravenous heparin therapy for a minimum of five days; and, 2) placement of a SPVC in the upper extremity by a nurse from the infusion team.
Variables: The focus of this study was on the incidence of complications as it related to the dwell time of SPVC.
Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on the dwell time of the SPVC. Documentation was reviewed to ascertain the site condition on a daily basis and the day and time the initial placement was restarted. Chi square analysis was used to determine statistical significance.
Findings: Chi square analysis revealed statistical significance that there was no difference with complications in 72 hour dwell time and 120 hour dwell time.
Conclusions: It was concluded that patients receiving continuous intravenous heparin therapy may extend their dwell time of SPVC to 120 hours without increased risk of complications.
Implications: A patient population was identified that may extend vascular access dwell time to 120 hours without increased risk of complication. This is the only evidence based research study found that analyzes a specific population. As standards of practice and guidelines are expanded for vascular access dwell times, research must be employed to determine the safety and efficacy for patient outcomes.
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Back to 14th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
10-12 July 2003