Arterial lines: an analysis of good practice.
The use of arterial line monitoring in critically ill children provides an indispensable foundation of critical care. The information provided by their use ensures accurate monitoring and blood gas analysis and subsequent modifications to prescribed treatment. The invasive nature of intra-arterial catheters may lead to complications of haemorrhage, thrombosis and infection. The value of arterial cannulation in relation to alternative less invasive methods of monitoring is discussed. The literature reveals that in many areas nurses are failing to unite theory and practice. This has implications for the safety of children and the accountability of nurses caring for them.
Clarke
S L
SL
Burns Unit, City Hospital, Nottingham.
D019985:Benchmarking; D002407:Catheterization, Swan-Ganz / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing*; D002648:Child; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*