Authors

Noemí Díaz Martínez, Beatriz González Pelegrín, Eduardo Clemente Roldán

Position

1Enfermera. Servicio de Urgencias. Hospital de Barbastro (Huesca).2Técnico de Salud. Gerencia de Atención Primaria. Barbastro (Huesca).

Contact address

Noemí Díaz Martínez. Ctra. Nacional 240, s/n. 22300 Barbastro (Huesca).

Contact email: ndiazm@salud.aragon.es

Abstract

Objectives: to learn about the practices, preferences and satisfaction of nurses regarding the type of dressing used to attach and cover the vein catheter, in the Aragonese Health System (SALUD).
Method: a transversal descriptive study, based on opinion surveys applied to Emergency and Paediatric Hospitalization nurses from the seven SALUD hospitals. The dependent variables were the gauze and surgical tape dressing, and the transparent polyurethane dressing. Regarding type of dressing, its ease of application and change was assessed, as well as safety and convenience for the child, and ease of inspection of the point of insertion.   
Results: out of the 201 surveys analyzed, a 75.4% used transparent dressing, and the most widely used size was the paediatric one, though only in three of its hospitals. A 72.8% will examine the point of puncture at least once a day. Nurses using transparent dressings consider that these are easier to apply, provide higher comfort, and allow for an easier control and change; statistically significant differences were found in comparison with the gauze and surgical tape dressing. Regarding its attachment, they think that the transparent dressing is not safer than the gauze dressing.
Conclusions: nurses using transparent dressings are more satisfied in aspects such as convenience, ease of use, change, and control of the puncture point. There is room in SALUD hospitals for extending the use of this practice.

Keywords:

Peripheral intravenous catheter; care; dressing; Paediatrics; nursing practicevariability

Versión en Español

Título:

Apósitos de catéteres venosos periféricos