TASK |
HOW |
FREQUENCY |
WHY |
Accessing
Connector / Cap |
- Scrub the hub thoroughly with alcohol for 15-30 seconds
- Consider using disinfection caps
|
Every time you:
- Enter the connector to flush,
- Administer medication, or
- Connect any tubing
|
Prevents outside bacteria from entering the line |
Blood Draw |
Aseptic Technique
- Slowly using 10mL or larger syringe
- Flush with 10 mL NS before and 20mL NS after
|
Per Licensed Practitioner orders or routine lab work |
Reduces needle sticks |
Assess Need |
Evaluate the need for IV meds or fluids with the patient care team |
Every shift |
- Longer catheter dwell times lead to higher risk of infection
- Remove catheter if not needed
|
Site
Evaluation |
Observe site for signs of infection: redness, edema, drainage, tenderness, etc. |
Every shift and as needed |
Consistent monitoring leads to faster treatment of complications |
Flushing /
Locking |
- Scrub the connector
- Know manufacturer directions for flushing /clamp/syringe removal sequence
- Use commercially prefilled 10mL size syringes
- Do not force or push against resistance
- Consider Push/Pause Technique
|
- Before and after every medication
- Before and after every blood draw
If not in use:
- Non-valved: every 24 hours
- Valved: once a week
|
- Prevents incompatible fluids/medications from combining
- Flush after each infusion to clear the catheter lumen
|
Needleless Access Device Change |
- Aseptic technique
- Scrub the hub with alcohol
|
- Change with admin set or every 7 days
- After a lab draw
|
Prevents outside bacteria from entering the line |
Dressing Change |
- Aseptic technique
- Sterile dressing change kit
- Use clear dressings (TSM) without gauze underneath; consider antimicrobial disc
- Gauze and tape for patients with skin irritation
- Securement device
- Label date, time, initials
|
- Every 7 days or when dressing is loose, wet, or soiled
- Gauze dressings should be changed every 48 hours
- Securement device should be changed with dressing
- Antimicrobial disk with each dressing
|
- Helps prevents infection
- Clear dressing allows for visualization of the site
- Securement device prevents catheter movement, dislodgement, and phlebitis
- Label communicates dressing age
|