Successful Infusion Therapy in Older Adults.
Older adults are a special patient population who require attention to a variety of issues and considerations related to infusion therapy. The need to alter practice approaches includes vascular access techniques and the administration of intravenous medications, fluids, and blood components. In addition, older adults will manifest very different signs and symptoms related to development of an infection in the body. This article reviews the normal physical changes that occur in their major body systems and discusses recommendations to accomplish successful venous access and correct administration of infusates.
Infusion Knowledge, Inc, Clearwater, Florida. Kay Coulter, RN, CRNI®, VA-BC, is an infusion therapy clinician who has practiced infusion nursing for more than 30 years. As the cofounder, executive director, and principal instructor of Infusion Knowledge, Inc, she focuses on all aspects of infusion therapy education, peripherally inserted central catheter qualification, and medical error reduction. She has a particular interest in older adults, their infusion challenges, and the need for education related to this patient group.
Kay
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Coulter
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000502:physiology*; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans