Continuing Education
 In both the hospital and outpatient settings, venous
access devices are a critical component in patient care.
 One size does not fit all and each device, type and
duration should be tailored to the needs of each
individual to provide safe and reliable care.
 There are a variety of options available and are generally
broken down into peripheral and central venous access
devices (CVAD).
PHOTO REFERENCE: http://faculty.mercer.edu/summervill_j/jeanchiang/Mvc-098s.jpg
 Peripheral catheters are the most commonly used
venous access device.
 It is a short catheter inserted through the skin into a vein,
primarily the superficial veins of the hand or forearm, and
in some cases the foot.
 It has the least complications and is cost effective for
short term use.
 These catheters are not recommended when the therapy
is a vesicant, chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition or when
the pH is <5 or >9.
 Peripheral catheters are appropriate venous access
devices for short term therapies, generally less than 7
days.
 Hydration, diuretics, steroids, gamma globulin, and some
antibiotics are frequently prescribed for peripheral
infusion.
 Parenteral Nutrition, vesicants, chemotherapy or
medications and solutions with a pH <5 or > 9 are not
recommended.
 Peripheral access is also useful short term for patients
who cannot absorb medications or take orally due to
illness.
 The CDC Guidelines state that another VAD may be
more appropriate for use if the therapy will last longer
than 6 days.
 When selecting access, the most distal site on the extremity is
recommended and working upward with future catheter insertions.
 Peripheral catheters should not be placed over a joint or any point of flexion,
below previous sites, or in bruised, infiltrated or phlebotic areas.
 Metacarpal, cephalic, basilic, and median veins are most recommended due
to their size and location.
 The antecubital veins should be preserved as long as possible and should
not routinely be used for IV therapy due to greater risk of phlebitis and
infiltration.
 Patient age, history of IV drug abuse, obesity and a medical history limiting
use of an affected extremity are factors that may make access difficult.
 Warm compresses and placing the extremity in a dependent position may
help to locate a vein for cannulation.
 The smallest and shortest gauge catheter should be chosen as it causes
the least amount of trauma to the vessel, promotes proper hemodilution of
the medication, and allows adequate blood flow around the catheter.
 One catheter should be used for each insertion attempt and aseptic
 It is recommended by INS (Infusion Nurses Society) that a Nurse makes
only 2 attempts at IV access.
o If unsuccessful, a second experienced nurse should assess patient and only attempt if there
is a viable vein.
o If 3rd attempt is unsuccessful, the MD needs notified.
 In the past, site rotation of a peripheral catheter was recommended every
72-96 hours.
o 2011 Infusion Nursing Standards of Practice recommend the nurse consider peripheral
catheter replacement when clinically indicated.
 The decision should be based on assessment of the patient’s condition:
o assess site, skin and vein integrity
o length and type of prescribed therapy
o venue of care
o integrity and patency of the VAD
o dressing
o stabilization device
 This is based on several studies that proved peripheral IV catheters have an
increased risk of phlebitis after 72 hrs. If this does not occur the IV site
needs assessed at least daily and documented as to the condition of the
Site Advantages Disadvantages
Dorsal venous
network of
hand
Most distal site, allowing
successive sites in a proximal
location; can be visualized an
palpated easily; easily
accessible
Should be stabilized on arm board; smaller than veins in
forearm; diminished skin turgor and loss of subcutaneous
tissue in geriatric patients; excessive subcutaneous fat in
infants; limited ability to use hand may present problems for
patients at home
Cephalic vein Large vein; easy to stabilize;
easily accessible for caregiver
and patient; may be palpated
above antecubital fossa
May be obscured by tendons controlling thumb; puncture
sites directly in wrist and antecubital fossa can increase
complications because of joint motion; damage to radial
nerve
Accessory
cephalic vein(s)
Medium to large vein(s); easy
to stabilize; can be palpated
easily
Valves at junction of cephalic vein may prohibit catheter
advancement; length of vein may be too short for catheter;
may not be located on children
Median vein Medium vein; easy to
stabilize; easily accessible for
caregiver and patient
Puncture in wrist may be excessively painful because of
close proximity of nerve; may be slightly more difficult to
palpate and visualize
Basilic vein Large vein; can be palpated
easily; may be available after
other sites have been
exhausted
More difficult to access because of location; may be difficult
to patient to access and observe site; puncture site directly in
antecubital fossa may result in increased complications
because of joint motion; cannot be palpated above
antecubital fossa
Site Advantages Disadvantages
External jugular
vein
Large vein; easily accessible
for emergency situations
Increased complication because of motion of neck; occlusive
dressing difficult to maintain; torturous pathway; very close to
transverse cutaneous and auricular nerves
Dorsal venous
network on foot
Easily accessible May not be easily palpated because of age or disease-
related changes; higher incidence of complications related to
impaired circulation; difficult to stabilize joint; greatly limits
ability to walk
Medial and
lateral marginal
veins of foot
May be large; usually easy to
palpate and visualize
Higher incidence of complications related to impaired
circulation; difficult to stabilize joint; greatly limits ability to
walk
Great and
small
saphenous
veins
Large veins; usually easy to
palpate and visualize
Higher incidence of complications related to impaired
circulation; located close to perforating veins connecting to
deep veins of leg
Reference: Table 10-5 Short Peripheral Catheter Insertion Sites for Children and adults.
Page 165 Infusion Nurses Book.
 INS guidelines for flushing a peripheral catheter no
longer include the use of heparin lock solution.
 A minimum of 2mls of Preservative free 0.9% Sodium
chloride should be used before and after medications
and solutions.
PHOTO REFERENCE: http://www.hrmedical.com/image/Midlines.jpg
PHOTO REFERENCE: http://www.mwva.com/images/midline.jpg
 A Midline is simply a long peripheral catheter typically 3-11 inches in
length (8-25cm) inserted into the antecubital or upper arm vein.
 Unlike the PICC line which terminates in the central circulation, the
tip of the midline catheter resides in the basilic, cephalic or brachial
vein distal to the shoulder at or below the axillary line. The basilic
vein access is preferred due to its larger diameter.
 Insertion costs for PICC and Midline Catheters are similar, however
the Midline tends to be a less favorable choice due to limitations in
dwell time and use.
 Midlines have an advantage over short peripheral access because they
do not require frequent site changes and have less risk of phlebitis due
to larger vein access.
 Midline catheters tend to have lower infection rates than PICCs and
other CVADs.
 Typical sizes are 1.9 Fr.-5 Fr. and are available in both single and
double lumen and polyurethane and silicone materials.
 Midline catheters are generally used for venous access
between 1-4 weeks duration and for neonates 6-10 days.
 They can be used in any inpatient or outpatient setting.
 According to INS standards, any infusate that can be
used for short peripheral access is appropriate for
Midline use.
 Hydration, blood products, pain medications, diuretics
and some antibiotics are typical therapies used for
midlines.
 It is not appropriate to infuse vesicants, parenteral
nutrition, or solutions with a pH<5 or >9 or an osmolality
>600 mOsm/L through a midline catheter.
 INS does not recommend routine blood specimen
 As with any VAD, peripheral and midline catheters
should be placed by trained and qualified health care
professionals and by physician or authorized prescribers’
order.
 Both can be inserted at bedside.
 The CDC guidelines for hand hygiene should be followed
to decontaminate hands prior to inserting any IV
Catheter.
 Standard precautions for the health care worker should
be followed to prevent blood contamination.
 If hair removal is necessary, per the INS guidelines,
scissors are recommended and only surgical clippers
with a disposable head can be used.
o Shaving can cause a micro abrasion creating an environment for
infection.
 The CDC recommends use of 2% chlorhexidine based
scrub but 70% alcohol and 1-2% povidone iodine
solution can be used if allergic to chlorhexidine.
 An analysis was done involving 8 different studies
comparing the cleansing solutions and the outcome
proved to be a significant decrease in bloodstream
infections when chlorhexidine based scrub was used.
 For chlorhexidine to be affective it should be applied with
friction for a minimum of 30 seconds and be allowed to
air-dry for a minimum of 30 seconds. The area prepped
should be 2-3 inches in diameter.
 Ideally the Midline catheter should be placed in a
patient’s non-dominate arm 1-1 ½ inches above or below
the anticubital fossa and following manufacturers’
guidelines.
 Once the insertion site is chosen the length of the
catheter is measured against the distance from the
insertion site.
o The catheter may require trimming so as not to extend beyond
the axillary vein.
 Insertion techniques vary among manufacturers but CXR
is not needed to confirm placement.
 Measurements of accessed arm and catheter length
should be taken and documented.
 It is important that stabilization of the short or long
peripheral catheter be done to minimize loss of catheter,
infiltration and the development of mechanical phlebitis.
 Studies have shown there is a significant reduction in
complications and prolonged dwell time with a
manufactured securement device and is the
recommended choice.
 Taping methods can be used.
o Anchor tape should only be applied to the wings of the catheter
and not the skin-catheter junction site as it inhibits visualization
and can be a potential source of infection.
 When possible, dressings should be transparent semi
permeable (TSM) so the site can be assessed daily or
with every use of the catheter.
 Preservative free 0.9% Sodium chloride should be used
before and after medications and solutions.
o INS recommends a minimum of 3mls NSS and 3mls 10U/ml
heparin lock solution.
 Infiltration is a frequent complication of peripheral IV access, and more common than in CVADs
(central venous access devices) due to the shorter nature of the catheter and smaller veins used.
 It is the leaking of IV fluid into surrounding tissue from a dislodged catheter or vein rupture on
insertion.
 Common symptoms of infiltration can be
o cool blanched skin that may feel taut
o edema, tenderness, and discomfort
o A stoppage or change in IV flow rate
o leaking at insertion site a
o sometimes burning occurs depending on the solution being infused.
 Once it is determined there is an infiltrate, stop the infusion, remove the IV catheter and elevate
the extremity.
 Warm compresses increase vasodilatation and disperse the extra fluid while cool compresses
cause vasoconstriction and limit the spread of IV solution.
o Warm or cold compresses should be used according to your institutions policy and procedures or according to the
pharmacological characteristics of the infusion.
 Some medications can be an irritant causing tissue damage while most IV fluids cause minimal
damage.
 The amount of solution that infiltrated should be estimated and documented.
 Among others, Phlebitis, infection, and occlusion are other complications of peripheral IV access
and CVADS and will be addressed further in this learning module.
Grade Clinical Criteria
0 No symptoms
1 Skin blanched
Edema <1 inch in any direction
Cool to touch
With or without pain
2 Skin blanched
Edema 1-6 inches in any direction
Cool to touch
With or without pain
3 Skin blanched, translucent
Gross edema >6 inches in any direction
Cool to touch
Mild-moderate pain
Possible numbness
4 Skin blanched, translucent
Skin tight, leaking
Skin discolored, bruised, swollen
Gross edema >6 inches in any direction
Deep pitting tissue edema
Circulatory impairment
Moderate-severe pain
Infiltration of any amount of blood product, irritant, or vesicant
Reference: Box 23-3 Infiltration Scale. Page 470 Infusion Nurses Book.
 Upon removal of a peripheral catheter digital pressure
should be applied until homeostasis is achieved, and a
dressing should be applied to the access site.
 With removal of a Midline catheter, a petroleum based
ointment and a sterile dressing should be applied to the
access site to seal the skin-to-vein tract and decrease
the risk of air embolus.

1. peripheral and midline iv lines

  • 1.
  • 2.
     In boththe hospital and outpatient settings, venous access devices are a critical component in patient care.  One size does not fit all and each device, type and duration should be tailored to the needs of each individual to provide safe and reliable care.  There are a variety of options available and are generally broken down into peripheral and central venous access devices (CVAD).
  • 3.
  • 4.
     Peripheral cathetersare the most commonly used venous access device.  It is a short catheter inserted through the skin into a vein, primarily the superficial veins of the hand or forearm, and in some cases the foot.  It has the least complications and is cost effective for short term use.  These catheters are not recommended when the therapy is a vesicant, chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition or when the pH is <5 or >9.
  • 5.
     Peripheral cathetersare appropriate venous access devices for short term therapies, generally less than 7 days.  Hydration, diuretics, steroids, gamma globulin, and some antibiotics are frequently prescribed for peripheral infusion.  Parenteral Nutrition, vesicants, chemotherapy or medications and solutions with a pH <5 or > 9 are not recommended.  Peripheral access is also useful short term for patients who cannot absorb medications or take orally due to illness.  The CDC Guidelines state that another VAD may be more appropriate for use if the therapy will last longer than 6 days.
  • 6.
     When selectingaccess, the most distal site on the extremity is recommended and working upward with future catheter insertions.  Peripheral catheters should not be placed over a joint or any point of flexion, below previous sites, or in bruised, infiltrated or phlebotic areas.  Metacarpal, cephalic, basilic, and median veins are most recommended due to their size and location.  The antecubital veins should be preserved as long as possible and should not routinely be used for IV therapy due to greater risk of phlebitis and infiltration.  Patient age, history of IV drug abuse, obesity and a medical history limiting use of an affected extremity are factors that may make access difficult.  Warm compresses and placing the extremity in a dependent position may help to locate a vein for cannulation.  The smallest and shortest gauge catheter should be chosen as it causes the least amount of trauma to the vessel, promotes proper hemodilution of the medication, and allows adequate blood flow around the catheter.  One catheter should be used for each insertion attempt and aseptic
  • 7.
     It isrecommended by INS (Infusion Nurses Society) that a Nurse makes only 2 attempts at IV access. o If unsuccessful, a second experienced nurse should assess patient and only attempt if there is a viable vein. o If 3rd attempt is unsuccessful, the MD needs notified.  In the past, site rotation of a peripheral catheter was recommended every 72-96 hours. o 2011 Infusion Nursing Standards of Practice recommend the nurse consider peripheral catheter replacement when clinically indicated.  The decision should be based on assessment of the patient’s condition: o assess site, skin and vein integrity o length and type of prescribed therapy o venue of care o integrity and patency of the VAD o dressing o stabilization device  This is based on several studies that proved peripheral IV catheters have an increased risk of phlebitis after 72 hrs. If this does not occur the IV site needs assessed at least daily and documented as to the condition of the
  • 8.
    Site Advantages Disadvantages Dorsalvenous network of hand Most distal site, allowing successive sites in a proximal location; can be visualized an palpated easily; easily accessible Should be stabilized on arm board; smaller than veins in forearm; diminished skin turgor and loss of subcutaneous tissue in geriatric patients; excessive subcutaneous fat in infants; limited ability to use hand may present problems for patients at home Cephalic vein Large vein; easy to stabilize; easily accessible for caregiver and patient; may be palpated above antecubital fossa May be obscured by tendons controlling thumb; puncture sites directly in wrist and antecubital fossa can increase complications because of joint motion; damage to radial nerve Accessory cephalic vein(s) Medium to large vein(s); easy to stabilize; can be palpated easily Valves at junction of cephalic vein may prohibit catheter advancement; length of vein may be too short for catheter; may not be located on children Median vein Medium vein; easy to stabilize; easily accessible for caregiver and patient Puncture in wrist may be excessively painful because of close proximity of nerve; may be slightly more difficult to palpate and visualize Basilic vein Large vein; can be palpated easily; may be available after other sites have been exhausted More difficult to access because of location; may be difficult to patient to access and observe site; puncture site directly in antecubital fossa may result in increased complications because of joint motion; cannot be palpated above antecubital fossa
  • 9.
    Site Advantages Disadvantages Externaljugular vein Large vein; easily accessible for emergency situations Increased complication because of motion of neck; occlusive dressing difficult to maintain; torturous pathway; very close to transverse cutaneous and auricular nerves Dorsal venous network on foot Easily accessible May not be easily palpated because of age or disease- related changes; higher incidence of complications related to impaired circulation; difficult to stabilize joint; greatly limits ability to walk Medial and lateral marginal veins of foot May be large; usually easy to palpate and visualize Higher incidence of complications related to impaired circulation; difficult to stabilize joint; greatly limits ability to walk Great and small saphenous veins Large veins; usually easy to palpate and visualize Higher incidence of complications related to impaired circulation; located close to perforating veins connecting to deep veins of leg Reference: Table 10-5 Short Peripheral Catheter Insertion Sites for Children and adults. Page 165 Infusion Nurses Book.
  • 10.
     INS guidelinesfor flushing a peripheral catheter no longer include the use of heparin lock solution.  A minimum of 2mls of Preservative free 0.9% Sodium chloride should be used before and after medications and solutions.
  • 11.
    PHOTO REFERENCE: http://www.hrmedical.com/image/Midlines.jpg PHOTOREFERENCE: http://www.mwva.com/images/midline.jpg
  • 12.
     A Midlineis simply a long peripheral catheter typically 3-11 inches in length (8-25cm) inserted into the antecubital or upper arm vein.  Unlike the PICC line which terminates in the central circulation, the tip of the midline catheter resides in the basilic, cephalic or brachial vein distal to the shoulder at or below the axillary line. The basilic vein access is preferred due to its larger diameter.  Insertion costs for PICC and Midline Catheters are similar, however the Midline tends to be a less favorable choice due to limitations in dwell time and use.  Midlines have an advantage over short peripheral access because they do not require frequent site changes and have less risk of phlebitis due to larger vein access.  Midline catheters tend to have lower infection rates than PICCs and other CVADs.  Typical sizes are 1.9 Fr.-5 Fr. and are available in both single and double lumen and polyurethane and silicone materials.
  • 13.
     Midline cathetersare generally used for venous access between 1-4 weeks duration and for neonates 6-10 days.  They can be used in any inpatient or outpatient setting.  According to INS standards, any infusate that can be used for short peripheral access is appropriate for Midline use.  Hydration, blood products, pain medications, diuretics and some antibiotics are typical therapies used for midlines.  It is not appropriate to infuse vesicants, parenteral nutrition, or solutions with a pH<5 or >9 or an osmolality >600 mOsm/L through a midline catheter.  INS does not recommend routine blood specimen
  • 14.
     As withany VAD, peripheral and midline catheters should be placed by trained and qualified health care professionals and by physician or authorized prescribers’ order.  Both can be inserted at bedside.  The CDC guidelines for hand hygiene should be followed to decontaminate hands prior to inserting any IV Catheter.  Standard precautions for the health care worker should be followed to prevent blood contamination.  If hair removal is necessary, per the INS guidelines, scissors are recommended and only surgical clippers with a disposable head can be used. o Shaving can cause a micro abrasion creating an environment for infection.
  • 15.
     The CDCrecommends use of 2% chlorhexidine based scrub but 70% alcohol and 1-2% povidone iodine solution can be used if allergic to chlorhexidine.  An analysis was done involving 8 different studies comparing the cleansing solutions and the outcome proved to be a significant decrease in bloodstream infections when chlorhexidine based scrub was used.  For chlorhexidine to be affective it should be applied with friction for a minimum of 30 seconds and be allowed to air-dry for a minimum of 30 seconds. The area prepped should be 2-3 inches in diameter.
  • 16.
     Ideally theMidline catheter should be placed in a patient’s non-dominate arm 1-1 ½ inches above or below the anticubital fossa and following manufacturers’ guidelines.  Once the insertion site is chosen the length of the catheter is measured against the distance from the insertion site. o The catheter may require trimming so as not to extend beyond the axillary vein.  Insertion techniques vary among manufacturers but CXR is not needed to confirm placement.  Measurements of accessed arm and catheter length should be taken and documented.
  • 17.
     It isimportant that stabilization of the short or long peripheral catheter be done to minimize loss of catheter, infiltration and the development of mechanical phlebitis.  Studies have shown there is a significant reduction in complications and prolonged dwell time with a manufactured securement device and is the recommended choice.  Taping methods can be used. o Anchor tape should only be applied to the wings of the catheter and not the skin-catheter junction site as it inhibits visualization and can be a potential source of infection.  When possible, dressings should be transparent semi permeable (TSM) so the site can be assessed daily or with every use of the catheter.
  • 18.
     Preservative free0.9% Sodium chloride should be used before and after medications and solutions. o INS recommends a minimum of 3mls NSS and 3mls 10U/ml heparin lock solution.
  • 19.
     Infiltration isa frequent complication of peripheral IV access, and more common than in CVADs (central venous access devices) due to the shorter nature of the catheter and smaller veins used.  It is the leaking of IV fluid into surrounding tissue from a dislodged catheter or vein rupture on insertion.  Common symptoms of infiltration can be o cool blanched skin that may feel taut o edema, tenderness, and discomfort o A stoppage or change in IV flow rate o leaking at insertion site a o sometimes burning occurs depending on the solution being infused.  Once it is determined there is an infiltrate, stop the infusion, remove the IV catheter and elevate the extremity.  Warm compresses increase vasodilatation and disperse the extra fluid while cool compresses cause vasoconstriction and limit the spread of IV solution. o Warm or cold compresses should be used according to your institutions policy and procedures or according to the pharmacological characteristics of the infusion.  Some medications can be an irritant causing tissue damage while most IV fluids cause minimal damage.  The amount of solution that infiltrated should be estimated and documented.  Among others, Phlebitis, infection, and occlusion are other complications of peripheral IV access and CVADS and will be addressed further in this learning module.
  • 20.
    Grade Clinical Criteria 0No symptoms 1 Skin blanched Edema <1 inch in any direction Cool to touch With or without pain 2 Skin blanched Edema 1-6 inches in any direction Cool to touch With or without pain 3 Skin blanched, translucent Gross edema >6 inches in any direction Cool to touch Mild-moderate pain Possible numbness 4 Skin blanched, translucent Skin tight, leaking Skin discolored, bruised, swollen Gross edema >6 inches in any direction Deep pitting tissue edema Circulatory impairment Moderate-severe pain Infiltration of any amount of blood product, irritant, or vesicant Reference: Box 23-3 Infiltration Scale. Page 470 Infusion Nurses Book.
  • 21.
     Upon removalof a peripheral catheter digital pressure should be applied until homeostasis is achieved, and a dressing should be applied to the access site.  With removal of a Midline catheter, a petroleum based ointment and a sterile dressing should be applied to the access site to seal the skin-to-vein tract and decrease the risk of air embolus.