IV Glossary
Air embolism: The result of a pressure gradient that allows air to enter the bloodstream when flushing the catheter.
Aseptic-impregnated catheter hub: A specific device or product that has an aseptic particulate embedded within it to prevent biological contaminants from entering a susceptible host. An example of an aseptic-impregnated device is a chlorhexidine impregnated CVAD dressing.
Aseptic nontouch technique (ANTT): A global standard used to prevent healthcare-acquired infections. ANTT identifies key parts and key sites throughout the preparation and implementation of the procedure. A key part is any sterile part of equipment used during an aseptic procedure, such as needle hubs and dressings. A key site is the insertion site, nonintact skin, or an access site for medical devices connected to clients. ANTT includes four underlying principles to keep in mind while performing invasive procedures:
- Always perform meticulous hand hygiene.
- Never contaminate key parts.
- Touch nonkey parts with confidence.
- Take appropriate infection control precautions.
Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI): A laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection not related to an infection at another site that develops within 48 hours of a central line placement. Most CLABSI cases are preventable with proper aseptic techniques, surveillance, and management strategies.
Central venous access device (CVAD): A central line is a thin, flexible, large-bore tube inserted into a client’s large vein.
Central venous pressure (CVP): Pressure observed within the central veins as the veins enter the right atrium. Central venous pressure is a good indicator of right heart function and is often monitored during fluid resuscitation.
Extravasation: Leakage of fluid into the tissues around the IV site causing tissue injury when the catheter has dislodged from the blood vessel but is still in the nearby tissue.
Fluid resuscitation: Infusing a large volume of fluid through the intravenous venous access to restore hemodynamics and optimize tissue perfusion and, ultimately, tissue oxygen delivery.
Fluoroscopy: A medical procedure that makes a real-time video of the movements inside a part of the body by passing X-rays through the body over a period of time.
Flushing: A manual injection of 0.9% sodium chloride to clean the catheter.
Hemodynamic monitoring: The assessment of a critically ill client’s circulatory status and includes measurements of central venous pressure, cardiac output, and blood volume.
Locking: The injection of a limited volume of a liquid following the catheter flush, for the period of time when the catheter is not used, to prevent intraluminal clot formation and/or catheter colonization.
Reservoir pocket: A small pocket, either a plastic or metal cylinder, usually placed just below the collar bone and connected to a catheter that enters a large vein such as the subclavian.
Scrub hub: A scrubbing device with an embedded alcohol product such as chlorhexidine with alcohol or 70% alcohol to disinfect catheter hubs or needleless connectors.
Vesicant medications: Certain medications such as antineoplastic drugs, antibiotics, electrolytes, and vasopressors that can cause severe tissue injury or destruction.