{"title":"Needleless connectors: A small device with big consequences.","authors":"Nancy Moureau, Lisa A Gorski","doi":"10.1097/NSG.0000000000000369","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Vascular access devices (VADs), including both peripheral intravenous (IV) catheters and central VADs, are used across the continuum of health care to administer IV fluids, medications, and diagnostics. Needleless connectors (NCs) are a critical component of the infusion system providing needle-free access to VADs yet many nurses are unaware of their significant impact on VAD-related complications, including infection, thrombotic occlusion, and catheter malfunction. This article provides a review of the critical role of the nurse in identifying risks and applying best practices in NC care, including disinfection, clamping, flushing, and timely replacement. Proper technique and adherence to evidence-informed protocols are vital to maintaining VAD performance and reducing adverse events.</p>","PeriodicalId":35641,"journal":{"name":"Nursing","volume":"56 5","pages":"16-23"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0000,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Nursing","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1097/NSG.0000000000000369","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"2026/4/20 0:00:00","PubModel":"Epub","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"Nursing","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Abstract: Vascular access devices (VADs), including both peripheral intravenous (IV) catheters and central VADs, are used across the continuum of health care to administer IV fluids, medications, and diagnostics. Needleless connectors (NCs) are a critical component of the infusion system providing needle-free access to VADs yet many nurses are unaware of their significant impact on VAD-related complications, including infection, thrombotic occlusion, and catheter malfunction. This article provides a review of the critical role of the nurse in identifying risks and applying best practices in NC care, including disinfection, clamping, flushing, and timely replacement. Proper technique and adherence to evidence-informed protocols are vital to maintaining VAD performance and reducing adverse events.
期刊介绍：
Nursing2020 (ISSN 0360-4039; online ISSN 1538-8689) published its first issue in November 1971, under founders Gene W. Jackson and Daniel Cheney. In the intervening years, its circulation has grown to over 150,000, making it one of the largest nursing journals in the world. Published monthly, Nursing2020 is widely regarded as offering current, practical contents to its readers, and has won many editorial awards testifying to the quality of its copy and graphics. The editorial and clinical staff, a 19-member Editorial Board of distinguished clinicians and practitioners, and over 100 invited reviewers help ensure the quality of this publication.
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