Assessing and Flushing a Peripheral Intravenous Line
Source: Madeline Lassche, MSNEd, RN and Katie Baraki, MSN, RN, College of Nursing, University of Utah, UT
After peripheral intravenous (IV) access is initiated, it is important to assess and maintain the IV catheter according to institutional policies and nursing standards of practice. The regular assessment of the insertion site and the surrounding areas for signs of complications is necessary to prevent IV catheter complications, including infiltration, phlebitis, infection, extravasation, or catheter dislodgement. Routine IV maintenance is equally important to preserve line patency and to reduce the risk of occlusion, thrombosis, and thrombophlebitis. According to the CDC, peripheral IV catheters (PIV) may be kept in place for as long as 96 h, with proper care and maintenance. In addition, according to the Infusion Nurses Society (INS), a pediatric patient IV catheter may be kept in place until the IV line is no longer patent or it demonstrates complications. Routine rotation every 96 h is not indicated in the pediatric population due to increased anxiety caused by needle sticks.
This video demonstrates the assessment and maintenance of peripheral IV lines, including general considerations before initiating the procedure, assessing the injection site for associated complications, and maintaining catheter patency by flushing it with the normal saline solution.
1. General procedure considerations (review in the room, with the patient).
- As always, before the patient encounter, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Use hand sanitizer, applying vigorous friction, if the hands are not visibly soiled.
- At the bedside computer, review the patient's medical history and confirm that the patient continues to require IV access.
- Review the maintenance IV fluid orders in the Medication Administration Record (MAR).
- If the patient
Routine assessment and line maintenance will ensure that IV therapy can continue. It also prevents avoidable complications and patient injury. If complications are noted when assessing the injection site, it is important to stop the IV fluid infusion, contact the primary care provider, and take measures to prevent further injury. If phlebitis or infiltration is suspected, the peripheral IV catheter should be promptly removed, and this should be documented in the patient's electronic health record. If the site is infi
- Grady, N. et al. Guidelines for the prevention of intravascular catheter-related infections. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011).
- Policies and procedures for infusion nursing, Fourth Edition. Chapter 6: Site care and maintenance. Infusion Nurses Society. (2011).
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