May I ask my STUPID questions here?

[superwee]

Why can't you infuse glucose into a peripheral arterial line?

I should know this, I know. I've tried to google it and can't figure it out. Does it mess up the BP reading?

Thanks!

[RainDreamer, BSN, RN]

We RARELY run anything but 1/2NS/Hep 0.5u/1cc through our UACs. I've only given 2 things through them..... PRBCs and UAC fluids with calcium added.(the baby had no other access) The risk of air embolus and thrombus formation is just too great to run anything through them. The arteries are very sensitive to irritants (read: drugs) They can clamp down in a heartbeat, and then you have black legs/toes/butts. We NEVER push UAC's in once the sterile field is broken. Whoever is doing that needs to review their infection control/procedure notes. No amount of abx running through the catheter will kill the bacteria tracked into the baby on the outside of the catheter when it's pushed into the pt. You can only pull back on the UA, not advance it once your sterile field is broken. (sorry,,,, can you tell that I'm on my soapbox? :>P)

I totally agree. I failed to mention that it's not the norm that we do that! In the year I've been there I've only seen the UACs pushed back in twice. And they were both on very sick cardiac kids. Maybe they figured the UA was more valuable to them, so they decided to push it back in. I don't know, as they weren't done on my shift, I just got report that it had been done.

But yes, we rarely run anything but 1/2 NS c heparin through the art lines, unless it's a sick kiddo and they have no other access, then you start grasping at straws. It's either push it back in and risk infection, or stick the kid (we all know how fun cardiac kids are to stick!) 10+ times for a new line and risk infection even more.

[BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN]

We have run D5 thru art lines (perp and UA) if the kid has sodiums thru the roof. Perp AL...we don't run anything thru except hep solution. A UAC we will use for meds, etc. No vasopressors.

I can count on one hand then number of lines I have seen pushed back in, if it starts on its way out, we take out.

[ritaPHIL]

i know this sound stupid and very embarrassing. but i must admit i am not omniscient person that i must know all. i am still struggling now with my career. could anybody help what materials and web sites can i be used and look for to help me enhance my critical thinking speacially in assessing a newborn and an adult. hope someone can help me with my prob. thanks

rita from philippines

[RNorBust]

I have seen the aftermath of a patient that had a peripherally inserted line to the artery by mistake... he lost his fingers.

[MarySunshine]

I have seen the aftermath of a patient that had a peripherally inserted line to the artery by mistake... he lost his fingers.

Wow. I would think if you hit an artery you would KNOW it.