Abstract
No published studies assess the knowledge of staff nurses regarding intravenous connectors, yet connectors remain a primary cause of infection and mortality. Anonymous survey (N = 100) in acute hospitals revealed 78% of nurses were uninformed about different connector types and their different care and 43% could not name two complications of connectors. No significant relationship was found between education (r = 0.121, p < 0.05) or nursing specialty (r =-0.059, p < 0.05) and identifying types of connectors. Sixty-four per cent were involved in 5-6 hours of intravenous therapy and maintenance per 12-hour shift, hence connector care is significant. Education about connectors has implications for nursing associated with catheter-related bloodstream infections, occlusion and thrombosis. The Centers for Disease Control includes catheter-related bloodstream infections as a worldwide priority. This study identified a significant need for further nursing education and research regarding the types, maintenance and care of intravenous connectors.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 405-415 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Journal of Research in Nursing |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2010 |
Keywords
- connectors
- intravenous
- nursing
- vascular access
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Research and Theory