IV insertion is often required for administering chemotherapy, antibiotics, blood products, fluids or other medical therapies. In patients with cancer, particularly people receiving repeated courses of chemotherapy, IV insertion may be difficult to achieve. There are various techniques nurses can use to improve IV insertion but few are evidence based.
A study published in the September 2009 issue of Oncology Nursing Forum studied whether dry or moist heat application to the upper extremity improves IV insertion rates. To read the full study, click here. (free registration required)
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