Nurses' knowledge of intravenous connectors

Cynthia Chernecky, Lindsey Casella, Erin Jarvis, Denise Macklin, Marlene Rosenkoetter

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)405-415
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Research in Nursing
Volume15
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010

Keywords

  • connectors
  • intravenous
  • nursing
  • vascular access

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Research and Theory

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