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Incidence Of Catheter Related Infections Caused By Peripheral Iv Catheters

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Abstract
To reduce incidence of catheter-related infections caused by peripheral IV catheters (PIVC), hospitals have adhered to a practice of routine replacement every two to eight days. A review of available research articles suggests instead that reinsertion produced no evidence of reduced IV complications, but did impose repeated invasive procedures and discomfort upon the patients, as well as increased staff workload and hospital equipment costs. Alternatively, the collective research presents a practice of PIVC removal based solely upon clinical indication or medically determined need. In three different randomized controlled trials, each including adult patients 18 years or older, from multiple participating hospitals, the …show more content…

This paper examines research from Lopez, Vilela, Ferandez del Palacio, Corral, Marti and Portal, as well as two studies by Rickard (Rickard, McCann, Munnings and McGrail, and Rickard, Webster, Wallis, Marsh, McGrail, French, Foster, Gallagher, Gowardman, Zhang, McClymont and Whitby), to better understand which IV replacement policy provides greater iatrogenic complication prevention.
Purpose
It is intended, that by evaluating the available research comparing the routine IV replacement practice versus a clinically indicated removal practice, a best-practice approach could be determined. One that provides the best possible outcome for the patient health and overall satisfaction. These studies provide consideration for policy standards based upon the evidence of the effectiveness of each practice, rather than continuing to follow practices established solely on unproven, unchallenged theory.
Research Question
The focus of this research study is to consider the nursing question, “In hospitalized adults, how does routine, compared with clinically indicated replacement of peripheral IV catheters affect patients?”
Importance to nursing
Current IV replacement practice is not evidence-based, but based upon the assumption that it is the longer IV site dwell time, rather than IV insertion and site care practices that ultimately lead to IV complications. According to Rickard et al., as

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