In our EMR, there is a section to identify the vein used for venous access, whether it is a PICC or a PIV. There are some who want this removed, since not everyone documents the information. I'm not sold that this is a good enough reason. I can't find support in the INS Standards nor can I find any articles either way. What are peoples thoughts about this? What are others doing?
Doesn't the practice criteria 14.B.5 address anatomical location?
Daniel Juckette RN, CCRN, VA-BC
Dan is correct. The anatomical location for all types of VADs must be documented. It should not be removed and all nurses must be held accountable for completing this portion. I have seen so many legal cases where the exact site was not known and no one could determine which medication was given through which site. So all nurses were held accountable when one can not be identified. The same is true for multiple unsuccessful venipunctures. Each attempt and the site should be documented. An injection or infusion distal to a recent venipuncture site can easily cause a severe extravasation or infiltratio injury. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861