Selecting the correct intravenous device: nursing assessment

This article provides information for nursing and medical teams involved in the selection of intravenous (i.v.) devices for patients requiring venous access. For more than 25 years central venous access has been the mainstay for delivery of a variety of i.v. therapies. However, although the use of central venous access has facilitated innovative patient care, it has also precipitated many complications arising from inappropriate catheter selection. The information contained in this article is not intended to replace local policies but is offered as a reference for those involved in developing protocols for assessment of patients requiring therapies via the i.v. route. It aims to assist nurses in relation to matching an appropriate access device to individual patient requirements.