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Discussion

Arterial Cath Placement

I'm writing a presentation about arterial catheter placement. In the ICU, who is allowed to place the catheter (Anesthetist, Nurse, Anesthesiologist) and

How long is it usually in-place, and how frequent are the dressing changes. If anyone can address this for me an/or point me to a presentation or article, that would be helpful.

Thanks

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Here is an article that might be helpful. In my facility, the dressing is changed q 72 hrs or when soiled, the tubing is changed q 96 hours. There was no specified length of time they could be left in, I have seen nearly 2 weeks one time. They usually don't work as well after 3-5 days or so.

http://www.unchealthcare.org/site/Nursing/nurspractice/procedures/procedures/procedurea9.pdf

In our facility, only docs or PA's put them in and the RN's take them out. Though if a patient is coming up from the OR, the CRNA or anesthesiologist may have put one in for you!

as far as who puts them in, it depends on your facility's policy. MDs, DOs, PAs, NPs, CRNAs, and RNs can put them in....it just depends on your hospital.

Where I work, they are treated like IV's. Dressing changes q72hrs, Tubing changes q72hrs. Changed out as needed. Only MD's and CRNA's place artlines here in Alabama.

  • Author
okieicu_rn, and bama.....thanks very much! i thought, but it doesnt seem that the majority of a-lines are placed by an anasteseologist in an acute care setting.
Where I work, they are treated like IV's. Dressing changes q72hrs, Tubing changes q72hrs. Changed out as needed. Only MD's and CRNA's place artlines here in Alabama.

PAs and perfusionists do as well.

  • Experts

It is 100% dependent first of the BON of your state, then the policy and procedure manual of your facility.

Same way that you will see RNs drawing ABGs, and other places do not permit them to. By this, I mean arterial stick, not from an a-line.

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