{"title":"Needleless connectors: A small device with big consequences.","authors":"Nancy Moureau, Lisa A Gorski","doi":"10.1097/NHH.0000000000001448","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>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":37842,"journal":{"name":"Home healthcare now","volume":"44 3","pages":"176-183"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0000,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Home healthcare now","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1097/NHH.0000000000001448","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"2026/5/4 0:00:00","PubModel":"Epub","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"Nursing","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
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：
Home Healthcare Now is the professional, contemporary journal serving the educational and communication needs of home care and hospice nurses. The journal is highly interactive and timely, focusing on the multidimensional, interdisciplinary and specialty practice areas of home care nursing. Clinical, operational, and educational home care nursing issues are the core of the publication; plentiful columns and features focus on practical, up-to-date approaches to everyday situations, as well as analysis and interpretation of how healthcare trends affect the home care nurse''s practice.
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：
京公网安备 11010802042870号
