Care and handling of a peripheral intravenous line

Sammanfattning: The general aim was to study the way nurses plan, take care of and document a peripheral intravenous cannulae (PIV) related to complications, and to give a basis for quality assurance (QA). The methods used were document analysis, interview, observation and intervention regarding cannula time in situ. The patients were followed from the day the cannula was inserted until the insertion area was free from symptoms.The frequency of thrombophlebitis was significantly higher and showed a more troublesome and prolonged picture of complications when the PIV were inserted more than 24 hours. The nurses· intentions were that a cannula should be inserted for one to three days but were aware that they remained in situ longer. Bad routines and neglected area were said be the reasons. The documentation of PIVs was, in many cases, incomplete, and the care and handling decreased with time in situ. Some patients had complications more than six months. Defective planning, care and handling and less knowledge about research performed, was shown. The results from the interviews were in accordance with observations of the patients.When using a PIV-line it is important to follow directives and rules, have knowledge and be skilled. Further, use of a standardised guide, including such information as location, size and securing could be a good help to reduce the frequency of complications in the daily use of PIV. But notice, that this study especially stress the importance of short time in situ.