I know there are no stupid questions but...........

[margaretptz]

Brand new student nurse here, I was doing my data cluster today and my partner noticed I checked the IV box for site assessment, and told me the patient did not have an IV. She said the reseal is not an IV. I thought because it was in the vein, it was considered intravenous. Could someone please clarify for me? I should have asked our instructor, but I didn't want to look stupid.

Thanks

Margaret

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

Brand new student nurse here, I was doing my data cluster today and my partner noticed I checked the IV box for site assessment, and told me the patient did not have an IV. She said the reseal is not an IV. I thought because it was in the vein, it was considered intravenous. Could someone please clarify for me? I should have asked our instructor, but I didn't want to look stupid.

Thanks

Margaret

Is a "reseal" a capped catheter? We call that a saline lock. It used to be called a hep lock (for heparin flush). Some folks still call it that.

We usually differentiate between a running IV and a saline lock. But it is in the same box and you still do a site assessment. And yes, it is in the vein - you have access to the vein for IV meds.

I'd have to see your assessment form . .. .does it have a separate place for this "reseal"?

steph