Episode 21: March 21, 2018 - Central Vascular Access Device Malposition

CVAD malposition refers to the suboptimal location of the tip of the catheter. Signs and symptoms range from the sound of “gurgling” in a patient’s ear to pneumo- or hemothorax. Malposition can lead to other complications including infiltration or extravasation. In this final episode of the series, it’s all about location, location, location.

Crystal Miller, MA, BSN, CRNI®, NE-BC

Nurse Manager

Crystal Miller, MA, BSN, CRNI®, NE-BC is the nurse manager of the IV Therapy Department in the Outpatient Infusion and Mandell Multiple Sclerosis Centers at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, Connecticut. She has more than 30 years’ experience in infusion nursing. Crystal served as president of the Infusion Nurses Society from 1998 to 1999 and chaired the Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation from 2011 to 2013. 

Guest:
Crystal Miller, MA, BSN, RN, CRNI®
Nurse Manager, St. Frances Hospital and Medical Center, Hartford, CT

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.

CVAD malposition refers to the suboptimal location of the tip of the catheter. Signs and symptoms range from the sound of “gurgling” in a patient’s ear to pneumo- or hemothorax. Malposition can lead to other complications including infiltration or extravasation. In this final episode of the series, it’s all about location, location, location.

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