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Factors affecting the life span of peripheral intravenous lines in hospitalized infants
Insights
The lifespan of intravenous (IV) lines in infants is not significantly affected by insertion site, cannula size, or brand. However, IVs with blood infusions and those in general pediatric units lasted longer.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nursing
- Infant Care
- Intravenous Therapy
Background:
- Intravenous (IV) therapy is crucial for hospitalized infants.
- Understanding factors influencing IV lifespan is essential for optimizing care and reducing complications.
- Previous research has not comprehensively evaluated these factors in infant populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of insertion site, cannula size, brand type, blood product infusion, and unit setting on the lifespan of IVs in hospitalized infants.
- To identify key variables that significantly influence the duration of IV patency in this vulnerable population.
Main Methods:
- A comparative descriptive study design was employed.
- Data from 250 charts of infants (12 months and under) were analyzed.
- Infants were from Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), and general pediatric units.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in IV lifespan were found based on insertion site, cannula size, or brand type for nonelectively discontinued IVs.
- IVs used for blood product infusions demonstrated a statistically significant longer lifespan compared to those without blood products.
- IVs in general pediatric units had a longer lifespan than those in the NICU.
Conclusions:
- Insertion site, cannula size, and brand type do not appear to be critical determinants of IV lifespan in infants.
- The infusion of blood products and the specific unit setting (general pediatrics vs. NICU) are significant factors influencing IV longevity.
- These findings can inform clinical practice, improve IV management strategies, and enhance parent education regarding infant IV care.
Abstract:
A study was undertaken to identify the effect of insertion site, cannula size and brand type, blood, and unit setting on the life span of IVs in hospitalized infants. A comparative descriptive design was used to study 250 data sets gathered from charts of infants 12 months of age and under, in the NICU, PICU, and general pediatric units at a children's medical center in the Southwest. Analysis revealed no significant difference in life span of nonelectively discontinued IVs by insertion site, cannula size, or brand type. A statistical difference was found in the life span of IVs regarding blood infusion: IVs in which blood had infused lasted longer than those without blood products. A statistical difference in IV life span was also found between the unit settings, with a longer life span for IVs on the general pediatric units than for those on the NICU. Research-based knowledge about factors that influence the life span of IVs in infants could be helpful in making practice decisions and in parent teaching.