Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026

The Supraclavicular Fossa Ultrasound View for Central Venous Catheter Placement and Catheter Change Over Guidewire
Published on: December 23, 2014
A new reliable tool (PVC assess) for assessment of peripheral venous catheters
Margary Ahlqvist1, Britta Berglund, Gun Nordstrom
1Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Surgery, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden. margary.ahlqvist@karolinska.se
Rationale And Aims:
To evaluate the extensive use of peripheral venous catheters (PVCs), including catheter-related complications, a reliable tool for PVC assessment is needed. The aim of this study was to develop such a tool to evaluate PVCs in relation to management, documentation and signs and symptoms of thrombophlebitis (TH), as well as to determine its inter-rater and test-retest reliability.
Method:
The tool development included confirmation of content and face validity. Two groups of registered nurses used the new tool (PVC assess) to assess PVC management and signs of TH independently. Group A (n=3) assessed 26 items in 67 PVCs bedside (inter-rater reliability). Group B (n=3) assessed photographs (67 PVCs, 21 items) of the same PVCs as those in Group A with a 4-week interval (test-retest reliability). Proportion of agreement P(A) and Cohen's kappa were calculated to evaluate inter-rater and test-retest reliability.
Results:
Among nurses assessing PVCs at bedside, the P(A) was good to excellent (0.80-1) in 96% of the items in PVC assess. In 80% of the items kappa was substantial to almost perfect (0.61-1). TH sign erythema fell into the fair range (kappa=0.40). In test-retest reliability analysis the P(A) was within the good and excellent range (0.80-1.0) and kappa varied from moderate to almost perfect (0.41-1.0) in 95% of the items. One item 'outer dressing is clean' was in fair range (0.21-0.40).
Conclusions:
The PVC assess instrument shows satisfactory inter-rater and test-retest reliability. Reliability tests on reviewing documentation remain to be performed.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Hemodialysis I: Introduction
