A step-by-step approach to peripheral catheter placement: maintenance, care and complications

Abstract

Peripheral catheter placement is a fundamental task performed within the veterinary nursing profession and is a part of training towards gaining their qualification. According to a recent survey by the Institute of Employment Studies on behalf of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2017, one of the most frequent tasks carried out by veterinary nurses (VN) is the placement of intravenous catheters (Robinson, D., Edwards, M., & Williams, M., The Future Role of the Veterinary Nurse: 2017 Schedule 3 Survey). The statistics show that out of 11,625 respondents, 71.4% of VNs conduct this task. Being able to demonstrate competence in this area formulates a crucial part of veterinary nurse training. Gaining sufficient experience will help to reduce and prevent complications from arising. Examples of complications in human studies have included infection at catheter sites, haematoma formation and thrombosis. A step-by-step approach in terms of technique, catheter choice and design along with care and maintenance would reduce complications associated with peripheral catheter placement.