[KJAVRN]

I would have felt uncomfortable running it through a PIV that was as flimsy as it sounds.
We have run inotropes through PIV's, but the site needs to be checked q 1 hour and should have a bllod return.
I probably would not have wanted to start the gtt unless it was an emergency

[UK2USA]

You are absolutely right to have been concerned about starting this drip. I was trained in a unit where NO pressors are run through a peripheral line... and one look at a nasty infiltrate will explain why (see examples here). However since I moved to the USA I see it happening more and more.... it makes me very uncomfortable. IMO Q1 assessments of the site is the absolute minimum I would check. I usually check Q15 minutes for any pressors that run through a peripheral line (also potassium, vanco, gent or any other harsh meds).

[WarEagle4Life]

We just had this come up this weekend with my patient. She presented with a fiery rash to groin area, temp 106.5, just adequate perfusion and BP's at first were 80s/40s (11 yr old). Got her at midnight and by about 0115 BPs had dropped to low 70s/upper 30's, fluid bolus given w/o change. Had 2 good PIV's. Decision was made to begin dopamine after 2nd bolus at 0200 yielded no changes. Our preference was not to do this, but the benefit outweighed the risk. At 0230, she went into acute respiratory distress and was intubated. CVL was obtained around 0330 after intubated and dopa quickly switched to the CVL.

Again, PIV is not the first choice, but sometimes necessary.

Cindy, RN