rnseb65

we have been using ultrasound for peripheral iv access for several years now. I started this several years ago in the ER for a patient that we knew very well. It has been a life saver! It has also increased our skill level on the machine. SUE:yeah:

Our hospital recently changed our policy from 72 hours to 96 hour change on the primary tubing. SUE:nurse:

Always peel dressing in the same direction the hair lays on the arm while holding the skin taut. peel it off as a unit. SUE:nurse:

Hello, I am researching a potential cause for tissue necrosis that has occurred in the arm above where a previous a-line had been. Most of the patients were in cvicu and the symptoms did not occur until the patients went to the cardiac telemetry unit. There is no evidence that any IV site was in that arm and no injury occurred distal to the a-line site. Any thoughts on what this may be from? It seems that the a-line would not be the cause since the injury is proximal to the a-line none of this makes any sense. Is it possible that it is microclotting or something other than extravasation? HELP!! SUE:nurse:

I say any time you walk out of the patient's room with a PICC line in the SVC it is a successful placement. :yeah:SUE

We use ultrasound frequently for IV access. We generally place them in the upper arm/bicep area. This has been very helpful in the ER when someone with limited access needed a site quickly. It can be a lifesaver and help reduce repeated sticks. I also agree with others comments regarding placing in the AC. Why do that when you have US that enables you to find a vessel in a more convenient location. FYI, I always use a longer catheter when I use US. SUE

I need some information. Has anyone had issues with tissue necrosis occurring above a previous A-line site? We have had 4-5 in the last 18 months. There was no peripheral line in that arm, no evidence that the patient had anything but the A-line there. The patients exhibited symptoms like a dopamine infiltrate with the severity reaching need for possible surgical intervention. I'm trying to find a common factor in an attempt to solve this mystery. Thanks Sue

I need some information. Has anyone had issues with tissue necrosis occurring above a previous A-line site? We have had 4-5 in the last 18 months. There was no peripheral line in that arm, no evidence that the patient had anything but the A-line there. The patients exhibited symptoms like a dopamine infiltrate with the severity reaching need for possible surgical intervention. I'm trying to find a common factor in an attempt to solve this mystery. Thanks Sue