I
The Art and Science of Infusion Nursing
The Art and Science of Infusion Nursing
n nursing, infusion therapy is a frequently performed
intervention necessary to facilitate treatment
by providing fluids, medications, and nutrition
to patients using the parenteral route.
Depending
on their developmental level and self-
care abilities, children may need infusion therapy during episodes of acute or chronic illness. This requires pediatric
nurses who are skilled in providing it. In addition
to
the frequent experience of pain when the catheter is
inserted,
children are at risk for other complications
related
to infusion therapy, such as subcutaneous fluid
infiltration
and extravasation, phlebitis, and infection.
These
complications present potentially negative implications
for patient safety, patient and family satisfaction,
hospital length of stay, and nonreimbursable
health
care costs. It is the nurse’s responsibility to be
judicious
in the assessment and prevention of these
complications
to help ensure patient safety.