What are the effects of removing a peripheral intravenous catheter when clinically indicated versus routinely removing and inserting a new catheter?
Obtaining vascular access, including through the use of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVs), is one of the most common, invasive procedures for hospitalized patients. On average, 2 vascular access devices are placed per patient per hospital stay.1 Although they are common, several risks are associated with PIVs, including phlebitis, infiltation, extravasation, and infection.2 Over the last decade, growing evidence has changed how PIVs are managed and has influenced the published guidelines from leading organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention3 and the Infusion Nurses Society.2 However, practice guidelines do not always align internationally, so continued evaluation of the evidence is necessary.
Most hospitals have practice protocols that call for careful assessment of PIVs and placement only when clinically indicated.3 That stated, with...