Multiple resources discuss the necessity of established,
evidence-based policies and procedures in health care
facilities to support nursing practice in infusion
therapy.
2
,
4
,
5
Prevention strategies are also necessary to
reduce the risk of complications such as infiltration
and extravasation.
4
,
5
Given the complexity of vascular
access complications, injury prevention is preferable to
treating existing trauma.
6
One prevention strategy is
to educate nurses about the most current standards
and guidelines.
2
A large systematic review of more
than 80 relevant sources concurred with this strategy,
stating that “the primary responsibility for the prevention
and early recognition of injury due to infiltration
and
extravasation rests with the nursing staff.”
The
authors also emphasized the importance of clinicians
being prepared to recognize and manage complications
quickly.