Central venous catheter insertion associated pericardial effusion
In our case, the patent vein of Marshall directly connected the coronary sinus with the left subclavian vein discovered in a cardiac arrest patient because of pericardial effusion during the insertion of a central venous catheter (CVC)” Butt et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The persistence of a vein of Marshall (VoM) from the left subclavian […]
Central line-associated thrombosis in critically ill neonates
Our study identified risk factors for the development of clinically identifiable catheter-associated thrombosis (CT)” Lambert et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Our study identified risk factors for the development of clinically identifiable catheter-associated thrombosis (CT). STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective cohort study of neonates in whom a central catheter was present. A total of 1,475 […]
Reducing needlestick injuries among healthcare workers in South Africa
Needlestick injuries (NSIs) are a common mechanism of exposure. Training in basic universal precautions and utilisation of safety-engineered devices (SEDs) are interventions known to reduce the risk of NSI” De Jager et al (2018). Abstract BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of contracting various communicable diseases. Needlestick injuries (NSIs) are a common mechanism […]
Nurse-managed outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy system
The RN-managed OPAT programme was associated with a significant reduction in readmissions” Bowley et al (2018) Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Evidence supports the safety and effectiveness of outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT). A registered nurse (RN)-managed multidisciplinary team OPAT model was implemented at our hospital. We evaluated the impact of the new OPAT model on readmissions during […]
OPAT readmission rates – what are the risk factors?
This study aimed to elucidate risk factors related to 30-day readmissions in patients who were discharged with OPAT at Mount Sinai Beth Israel (MSBI)” Huang et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is a practical and effective way of delivering antimicrobial therapy, but may be associated with significant risk for hospital readmission. […]
Central venous catheterization in dogs – what is the role of ultrasound-guidance?
To compare time to achieve vascular access (TTVA) between an ultrasound-guided technique (UST) and landmark-based technique (LMT) for central venous catheter (CVC) placement in healthy anesthetized dogs” Hundley et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To compare time to achieve vascular access (TTVA) between an ultrasound-guided technique (UST) and landmark-based technique (LMT) for central venous catheter (CVC) […]
Neonatal pain control with sucrose or skin to skin care
To compare the efficacy of SSC with oral Sucrose for pain management in preterm neonates” Shukla et al (2018). Abstract: Objective: To compare the efficacy of SSC with oral Sucrose for pain management in preterm neonates. Methodology: Parallel-group, assessor-blinded randomized control trial conducted from February-June 2017 at a level 3B-NICU. Hundred preterm neonates (29-0/7 to […]
Red blood cell transfusion to treat or prevent complications in sickle cell disease
To summarize the evidence in Cochrane Reviews of the effectiveness and safety of RBC transfusions versus no transfusion, or restrictive (to increase the total haemoglobin) versus liberal (to decrease the haemoglobin S level below a specified percentage) transfusion, for treating or preventing complications experienced by people with SCD” Fortin et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Globally, […]
Evaluating the use of vein visualization equipment
This study compared traditional short peripheral catheter (SPC) insertion methods with 2 vein visualization equipment models among a general patient population on a surgical step-down unit based on first-attempt success rates and the time required to achieve catheter insertion” Kanipe et al (2018). Abstract: This study compared traditional short peripheral catheter (SPC) insertion methods with […]
Extravasation injuries and associated treatment options in pediatric patients
The purpose of this study was to identify occurrences of peripheral infiltration injuries and examine treatment modalities used to treat pediatric patients who suffered such an injury” Odom et al (2018). Abstract: Peripheral infiltration is defined as the inadvertent delivery of nonvesicant fluid or medication into surrounding tissue that has the potential to harm the […]
Guidelines for the preparation and administration of blinatumomab infusions
Guidelines for the preparation and administration of blinatumomab in both inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as a standardized neurological nursing assessment, were developed to ensure safe and effective administration of blinatumomab” Szoch et al (2018). Abstract: Blinatumomab has shown great potential for patients with chemotherapy-resistant B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia. Blinatumomab’s toxicity profile includes central […]
Complications and implications of therapy-related cardiotoxicity
The future holds promise with enhanced opportunities to use cardioprotectant drugs and biomarkers to prevent and detect early myocardial changes. Infusion therapy nurses must keep abreast of these developments to facilitate their roles as patient educators and advocates in the face of this toxicity’s prevalence” Boyle (2018). Abstract: The growing number of adult long-term cancer […]
Infusion phlebitis signs and symptoms associated with peripheral IV catheters
This study was undertaken to calculate the incidence of 8 signs and symptoms used for the diagnosis of phlebitis with peripheral intravenous catheters, or short peripheral catheters, and the level of correlation between them” Mihala et al (2018). Abstract: This study was undertaken to calculate the incidence of 8 signs and symptoms used for the […]
Using social media to diagnose Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
Here, we report a case of a patient who turned to social media when she had recurrent syncope and facial swelling” Charbonniez et al (2018). Abstract: Social media is becoming increasingly popular among the public. In 2017, Facebook had 2.2 Billion monthly active users [1]. Applications of social media in healthcare are growing. This includes […]
OPAT guidelines help with the economic burden of hospital admissions
Admissions for ABSSSI impose a substantial cost to US hospitals, with half of costs attributable to room costs. When extrapolated to all US patients admitted to the hospital for ABSSSI during 2014, had OPAT guidelines been universally followed, admissions may have been reduced by 14%, thereby saving US hospitals $161 million” Keyloun et al (2018). […]
Central veins dilation – Effect of lumbar elevation?
This study aimed to determine a more convenient patient position that can result in the largest central vein diameter” Gu et al (2018). Abstract: Background: Increasing the size of the central veins is required to increase the success rate of central line placement and decrease complication risk. Right-sided approach for the central veins, Valsalva maneuver, […]
Self-reported management of IV fluids in children with acute respiratory failure
We sought to describe current IV fluid management in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome” Hassinger and Valentine (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Observational studies have shown that fluid overload is independently associated with increased morbidity in critically ill children, especially with respiratory pathology. It is unknown if recent evidence has influenced clinical practice. We sought to describe […]
Children undergoing hemodialysis – Iranian mothers’ experiences
Nurses are the healthcare team members who most frequently interact with mothers of children undergoing hemodialysis. They are therefore positioned favorably to provide the information and emotional support needed by these mothers” Pourghaznein et al (2018). Abstract: Purpose: To describe Iranian mothers’ perspectives regarding hemodialysis for their children. Design and Methods: This qualitative study was […]
Late onset neurological deficit after failed PICC insertion
We describe a case of a pregnant woman who required parenteral nutrition and underwent an unsuccessful PICC insertion attempt resulting in arterial puncture, and who 34 days later presented with right upper limb paresthesia” Antunes et al (2018). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Insertion of central catheters in peripheral vessels is a common procedure performed for a variety of […]
Removal and insertion of central venous catheters in cancer patients is associated with high symptom burden
To assess the symptom burden associated with CVC removal and insertion in cancer patients” Raad et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To assess the symptom burden associated with CVC removal and insertion in cancer patients. METHODS: We collected patient-reported symptom-burden outcomes for 60 consecutive cancer patients: 30 undergoing CVC removal and 30 undergoing CVC insertion. Cancer […]
Article describes the accurate and safe management of fluid balance
The physiology of fluid balance in humans should be understood and applied in clinical practice. Fluid balance, when managed accurately and safely, can prevent significant morbidity and mortality” Watson and Austin (2018). Abstract: The physiology of fluid balance in humans should be understood and applied in clinical practice. Fluid balance, when managed accurately and safely, […]
Article offers definitions and descriptions of osmolarity, osmolality, osmotic and oncotic pressure
This article first outlines definitions and descriptions of key terms that will be used in the discussions that follow, including osmolarity, osmolality, osmotic and oncotic pressure” Waterhouse and Farmery (2018). Abstract: This article first outlines definitions and descriptions of key terms that will be used in the discussions that follow, including osmolarity, osmolality, osmotic and […]
Outcomes associated with an infection control and prevention program in a Russian neuro-ICU
The implementation of an evidence-based IPC program in a middle-income country (Russia) was highly effective in HAI prevention with meaningful reductions in antibiotic resistance” Ershova et al (2018). Abstract: Background: The impact of infection prevention and control (IPC) programs in limited resource countries such as Russia are largely unknown due to a lack of reliable […]
Web-based multitiered surveillance system for predicting CLABSI
A computer-automated method of CLABSI detection can improve the validity of surveillance. A new web-based, multitiered surveillance system for predicting and reducing CLABSI is proposed” Noaman et al (2018). Abstract: Central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates are a key quality metric for comparing hospital quality and safety. Manual surveillance systems for CLABSIs are time-consuming and often […]
Integration of robotic phlebotomy with downstream sample processing
This paper presents a medical device that enables end-to-end blood testing by performing blood draws and providing diagnostic results in a fully automated fashion at the point-of-care” Balter et al (2018). Abstract: Diagnostic blood testing is the most commonly performed clinical procedure in the world, and influences the majority of medical decisions made in hospital […]
Successful hemodialysis through persistent left superior vena cava
We hereby present a case of persistent left superior vena cava that was incidentally encountered after the placement of a hemodialysis catheter through the left internal jugular vein. This case highlights the pertinent radiologic findings and emphasizes the importance of familiarity to such an anatomic anomaly” Meena et al (2018). Abstract: Persistent left superior vena […]
Home infusion teaching practices at hemophilia treatment centers
Home management of hemophilia is standard of care in many countries. This study examined current nursing practices in teaching home infusion (HI) at hemophilia treatment centers (HTC) in the USA” Santaella et al (2018). Abstract BACKGROUND: Home management of hemophilia is standard of care in many countries. This study examined current nursing practices in teaching […]
How has the global hand hygiene improvement project progressed?
This represents a snapshot of the current position of global hand hygiene improvement efforts, outlining facility progress and highlighting the value of such an assessment tool” Kilpatrick et al (2018). Summary: The World Health Organization (WHO) has conducted two global surveys in 2011 and 2015 using the Hand Hygiene Self-Assessment Framework (HHSAF). In 2011, 2119 […]
Taurolidine lock is a cost-effective intervention in patients on HPN with high risk of CRBSI
Our study shows that taurolidine lock is a cost-effective intervention in patients on HPN with high risk of CRBSI” Arnoriaga Rodríguez et al (2018). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) are one of the most serious concerns in patients on home parenteral nutrition (HPN) which involve high morbidity and cost for the healthcare system. In […]
Optimizing the electronic health record in the parenteral nutrition workflow
Surveys have shown that current electronic health record (EHR) systems are in need of functionality enhancement for safe and optimal delivery of PN” Vanek et al (2018). Abstract: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a complex therapeutic modality provided to neonates, children, and adults for various indications. Surveys have shown that current electronic health record (EHR) systems […]