title: Assessment of the infant with a peripheral intravenous device.
abstract: Inserting, monitoring, and maintaining peripheral venous access is an integral component of neonatal nursing care. Although complications associated with peripheral vascular devices are typically minor, some infants may experience life-threatening sequelae or serious and prolonged alterations in function. This article provides a review of the relevant anatomy and physiology of the peripheral venous system, techniques for maintaining catheter security, and guidelines for conducting a systematic physical assessment. The most commonly occurring complications, such as infiltration, phlebitis, and occlusion, are described. The etiology of the complications, signs and symptoms, and key evidence-based prevention strategies are outlined.
authors.affiliation: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Doctors Medical Center, Modesto, CA 95350, USA. Janet.Pettit@tenethealth.com
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pettit
mesh_terms: D016470:Bacteremia / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005119:Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010689:Phlebitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control