This webinar is presented in partnership with the Infusion Nurses Society (INS).
Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion and management and the peripheral administration of intravenous (IV) solutions and medications are critical skills utilized in all clinical settings. Insertion of a PIVC into a patient’s bloodstream is necessary to deliver infusion therapy, but it creates the risk of patient harm through complications such as bloodstream infection, phlebitis, extravasation, and occlusion. Unfortunately, training and competency development in device placement and management varies widely across nursing programs, orientation programs, and ongoing skill development within nursing. This variation in training creates variation in practice that may be reliant on knowledge and experience that is not fully aligned with evidence-based practice. Organizational policies and procedures may outline evidence-based practices in the area of IV device management and infusion therapy, but the variations in nursing skill acquisition has created knowledge gaps particularly in optimal PIVC placement, aseptic technique throughout the life span of the device, safe medication administration, and complication recognition and treatment. This presentation will examine common myths within PIV insertion and peripherally administered infusion therapy practices and present evidence-based recommendations to improve practice in these areas, including optimal PIVC placement, medication administration, and complication prevention strategies.