The use of central venous catheters is reportedly the most common cause of thromboembolism in pediatric patients, with up to 90% of neonate cases and more than 50% of all other pediatric cases attributed to their use. Early recognition of thromboembolism in children requires identifying the potential risk factors that lead to its occurrence. Nurses can play an integral role in the prevention of thromboembolism through risk assessment prior to central venous access device placement and vigilant monitoring and early treatment to mitigate mortality and even morbidity for these occurrences.

At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant will be able to:

1. Identify the risk factors for pediatric thromboembolism.

2. Summarize the patient assessment components to decrease thromboembolic incidence.

Speaker:

Brent Weston, MD
Associate Professor
UNC Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology Oncology

This session has been approved for 1 contact hour.

Expiration date for receipt of contact hours: May 7, 2017

This session has been approved for 1.0 CRNI® recertification unit.