Knowledge and practices in the use of intermitent peripheral catheter by the nursing staff

Abstract

The infusion therapy is indispensable in daily practical of nursing and the peripheral catheters are the most. This prospective, quantitative study, aiming to identify the frequency, characterizes the knowledge and practices of use of the intermittent peripheral catheter (CPI) by the nursing staff. The data were collected through a questionnaire and systematic observation of the procedures of infusion and maintenance of the CPI. Forty-one visits were made and 39 nursing professionals were interviewed, totaling 102 hours of observation. With regard to the success rate in the questionnaires, 35 (89.7%) judged necessary wearing gloves when handling the CPI and 38 (97.4%) related the importance of the ablution of the hands. The procedures were observed for 95 catheters: 85 (89.4%) were not saline; 81 (85.2%) were pervious; in 66 (69.4%) events the professionals did not wear gloves; in 71 (74.8%) events they did not carry out ablution of the hands; and in 95 (100%) events they did not use alcohol gel. A disorder between the theoretical and practical knowledge was observed. It is necessary to establish more effective, integrated education practices in service, consisting of an important evaluation instrument and control of the procedures performed quality.