tissue necrosis proximal to a-line

[rnseb65]

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:

[Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN]

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:

Did this happen to more than one patient? Have you considered a defect in the equipment if there were multiple patient injuries? Are the A-lines pulled before the patient is downgraded to Tele, or do they keep them? Are the A-lines in place for the same amount of time in each case? Have tissue cultures been taken from the patients'? Loads of variables here. I'm sorry that I have only added more questions - but I am interested in the outcome though.

Blee