Most likely a stupid question...

[needsmore$]

Good morning

I am helping our computur gurus develop documentation screens for our ED

Being a 'veteran' nurse (as opposed to an old nurse:wink2:)--when I would document --"Central Line placed by Dr So and So"- I would usually write how many attempts-- and sites

Is this still something you all write or do you just write--which 'site accessed' only?

My concern would be the pt who has several PWs that did NOT end up being utilized. The ED physician usually just writes where he put it if he did--

Similiar to how many PIV attempts you tried and where--so you can account for the PW/hematomas etc that you made vs--prehospital , etc

Just hoping for some input

Thank you

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I always document how many attempts and where. That's the standard of care.

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

I always document how many attempts and where. That's the standard of care.

Me too.

steph

[needsmore$]

Thank you--that's what thought too but I was being shut down as 'opening a can of worms"

[Larry77, RN]

I'm sorry we don't answer "stupid questions" here...lol.

I also document attempts, type of cath, location, how the patient handled the procedure, and patency...

We use T-Systems and it has most of what I listed preformated.

[Jennyw45013]

I agree with above, especially for insertion of central lines. I had a trauma patient with mult attempts for a central line, developed bilat pneumos and had to be tubed on arrival to recieveing hospital. Always good to know how insertion went!

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

Yes the number of attempts and locations of those attempts. This information is also very useful for any clinician that may try to place a CVC in the future. lets say the MD accessed the right subclavian but the catheter would not thread.....then the next clinician would know that there may be an anatomic reason for this. I tried to place a right brachail PICC last week and after all my tricks could not get it to thread past the right subclavian.....come to find out the patient had a left-sided superior vena cava and it was not known until we sent the patient down to radiology

[BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

I usually only chart the line placement, time and site, per Dr Jones. I figure the doc will chart the details. If its some thing I personally do I will chart as much detail as I see necessary.

[CraigB-RN, MSN, RN]

Dont forget placement confirmation for central line and approval for use.