Nursing practices in peripheral venous catheter: Phlebitis and patient safety

Abstract

Objective: To understand the nursing practices related to peripheral venous catheter and to identify deviations related to the scientific evidence regarding the prevention of phlebitis. Method: Qualitative study with data collection by means of participant observation techniques and semistructured interviews, with 26 and 15 nurses, respectively, from a Portuguese hospital. Data content analysis was performed. Results: In the category “nursing actions”, nursing practices related to: Selection of catheter insertion site and its caliber size, evaluation of insertion site for signs of inflammation, insertion site dressing, disinfection of accessories, hand hygiene and patient participation in care emerged. There were situations of deviations in these practices in relation to scientific evidence. Conclusion: Nursing practices presented deviations in relation to scientific evidence, and were influenced by the size of the institution, patient characteristics, and lack of knowledge of nurses regarding certain actions that pose a risk to patient safety. The creation of protocols and the implementation of continuous education are fundamental for the acquisition of competencies by nurses, for correcting deviations and providing a safe quality nursing care to the patient.