EJ PIV access

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

Given the fact that the INS has retired their 2008 position paper on the insertion of EJs by nurses, what is the latest and greatest regarding this issue?

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Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.

Honestly I think EJs have become a distant memory now that the IO exists!

Annie

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I've had, i think, 3 maybe 4 patients with EJ's in the last maybe 5 months. Catches me offguard every time..and you won't find me making that attempt for a peripheral line.

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The position paper was retired because they addressed EJs in the 2011 INS Standards of Practice

Standard 33. Site Selection

VII. External Jugular Vein Access

A. Nurses who are competent in infusion therapy may insert short peripheral intravenous (IV) catheters and PICCs, using the external jugular vein inpatients in acute care settings and in emergency sit-uations when other veins cannot be accessed.2,21 (V)

B. A short peripheral catheter in the external jugular vein should not be used for contrast media orwith power injectors.21 (V)

C. Central venous pressure monitoring may be performed through PICCs in the external jugular vein.21 (V)

D. When a short peripheral catheter is inserted into the external jugular vein and infusion therapy is expected to exceed 72 to 96 hours, the nurse should collaborate with the LIP for an alternative vascular access site as soon as possible.3,21 (V)

Keep in mind though that Standard 35, H states that you should also be considering using some kind of visualization aid like ultrasound or near-infrared.

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