Right Post-Insertion Management in Pediatrics

Maintaining function throughout the vascular access devices (VADs) therapeutic dwell requires the use of effective post-insertion care strategies. Some aspects of post-insertion VAD management can be appropriately generalized from adult literature, and this has already been summarized in Chap. 30 – 33 . This includes the importance of regular assessment of the entire VAD and patients, including the administration set, for signs of complications and device malfunction. Also, previously summarized in Chap. 24 is the use of bundles of care, to ensure the practical application of high-quality evidence to the bedside. These bundles are of great importance during the post-insertion phase, when considering the use of skin antisepsis, dressings, securement, and patency procedures. However, the focus of this chapter is on elements of post-insertion care that are specific to the pediatric population and their VAD.