Rebecca Sharp, Melita Cummings, Jessie Childs, Andrea Fielder, Antonina Mikocka-Walus, Carol Grech, Adrian Esterman
Choosing an appropriately sized vein reduces the risk of venous thromboembolism associated with peripherally inserted central catheters. This observational study described the diameters of the brachial, basilic, and cephalic veins and determined the effect of patient factors on vein size. Ultrasound was used to measure the veins of 176 participants. Vein diameter was similar in both arms regardless of hand dominance and side. Patient factors-including greater age, height, and weight, as well as male gender-were associated with increased vein diameter...
September 2015: Journal of Infusion Nursing: the Official Publication of the Infusion Nurses Society