Wondering if hospitals are documenting IV sites by vein name or a numbering system. We currently use the vein name and I have been adding comments to be more specific in the location since the vein runs up the whole arm. Thanks in advance!
Vein name alone may not be the total answer. The cephalic vein can be site of an IV from the wrist all the way up the entire length of the arm. Anatomical drawings are another way to indicate the exact location of the site you put in. This is vital information in any legal case.
We use vein names, location described by usual anatomical nomenclature (proximal/distal forearm) and numbers of centimeters from anatomical location, etc. - quite specific. Not as simple as just saying we use vein names, but more than I wish to go into here. Better to learn this experientially, especially since there is variability.
Mari Cordes, BS RN
Nurse Educator IV Therapy
Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington VT
Educator, Bard Access Systems
Mari Cordes, BS RNIII VA-BC
Vascular Access Department
University of Vermont Medical Center
Most of us at our facility are using vein name now. Our ED does not.
Mari Cordes, BS RN
Mari Cordes, BS RNIII VA-BC
Vascular Access Department
University of Vermont Medical Center
Vein name alone may not be the total answer. The cephalic vein can be site of an IV from the wrist all the way up the entire length of the arm. Anatomical drawings are another way to indicate the exact location of the site you put in. This is vital information in any legal case.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
www.hadawayassociates.com
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
We use vein names, location described by usual anatomical nomenclature (proximal/distal forearm) and numbers of centimeters from anatomical location, etc. - quite specific. Not as simple as just saying we use vein names, but more than I wish to go into here. Better to learn this experientially, especially since there is variability.
Mari Cordes, BS RN
Mari Cordes, BS RNIII VA-BC
Vascular Access Department
University of Vermont Medical Center