Episode 20: March 7, 2018 - Air and Catheter Embolisms

Our series continues with a look at two complications that while, infrequent, can have devastating consequences. Signs and symptoms can be nonspecific, but early recognition and prompt intervention are crucial to decrease the chances of harm to the patient. 

Mark Hunter, BSN, RN, CRNI®, VA-BC

Medical Affairs Manager

Mark R. Hunter, BSN, RN, CRNI®, VA-BC, is a medical affairs manager at BD, where he focuses on medical device development, risk management, patient safety, and regulatory agency communications. He began his corporate nursing career at Baxter in 2007, where he helped drive the launch of multiple new products. A registered nurse for 27 years, Mark specialized in the fields of critical care and infusion nursing before joining industry. An active INS member, Mark has contributed to the development of INS’ Infusion Nursing Standards of Practice (2011), sessions for its annual meeting, and the CRNI® certification exam. Mark is also an editorial reviewer for the Journal of Infusion Nursing. 

Guest:
Mark Hunter, BSN, RN, CRNI®, VA-BC
Medical Affairs Manager, BD

Knowing how to treat infusion therapy-related complications means recognizing the signs and symptoms. Identifying the problem as early as possible will significantly impact positive patient outcomes. Treating the sequelae of unrecognized complications can be costly, result in poor outcomes, and decrease patient satisfaction.

Our series continues with a look at two complications that while, infrequent, can have devastating consequences. Signs and symptoms can be nonspecific, but early recognition and prompt intervention are crucial to decrease the chances of harm to the patient. 

References:
Alexander M, Corrigan A, Gorski L, Phillips L.  
Core Curriculum for Infusion Nursing. 4th ed. Wolters Kluwer Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2014

Brenda L Natal, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: Erik D Schraga, MD. Venous Air Embolism Dec 2017 https://emedicine.medscape.com...
 
Robert Wilkins, Martin Unverdorben. Accidental intravenous infusion of air, JIN 2012 pg 404-408. DOI: 10.1097/NAN.0b013e31827079fe 

Complications of Peripheral Venous Access Devices: Prevention, Detection, and Recovery Strategies Crit Care Nurse April 1, 2017 37:e1-e14 
http://ccn.aacnjournals.org/co...

Something’s Missing: Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Fracture
doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2013.06.130097 J Am Board Fam Med November-December 2013 vol. 26 no. 6 805-806
http://www.jabfm.org/content/2...

Fibel, Kenton H., et al. “Pressurized Intravenous Fluid Administration in the Professional Football Player.” Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, vol. 25, no. 4, 2015, doi:10.1097/jsm.0000000000000150.

Macklin, D. (1999). What’s physics got to do with it. a review of the physical prinicples of fluid administration. Journal of Vascular Access Devices, 7-11.

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