Practice Recommendations

RECOMMENDATION

STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION

1

The expert panel recommends health providers complete a systematic assessment of the person prior to inserting a vascular access device.

As a good practice, this statement does not require application of the GRADE system.

2

The expert panel recommends that health providers provide comprehensive health teaching to persons and their families/caregivers about their vascular access device.

Strong

3

The expert panel suggests health providers perform venipuncture when drawing blood samples to maintain specimen integrity.

Conditional

4

The expert panel recommends that acute care health-service organizations implement a multi-component peripheral vascular access device care protocol. This protocol includes a minimum of a daily review by health providers, in collaboration with persons and their families.

Strong

5

The expert panel recommends that health providers use ultrasound-guided technique for the insertion of peripheral arterial catheters.

Strong

6

The expert panel suggests that health providers use ultrasound-guided technique for the insertion of peripheral vascular access devices in persons with difficult intravenous access.

Conditional

7

The expert panel recommends that health providers offer adults non-pharmacological and pharmacological pain management strategies during the insertion of a vascular access device.

Strong

8

The expert panel recommends that health providers offer non-pharmacological and pharmacological pain management strategies during the insertion of a vascular access device to infants and children, tailored to their age and developmental stage.

Strong