Vascular access safety guidance for immunocompromised patients — those receiving chemotherapy, transplant recipients, patients on immunosuppressants or biologics — including why infection risk is higher, stricter fever thresholds, enhanced precautions, and when to seek care immediately.
How to protect and care for the skin around your vascular access catheter site — understanding skin reactions to adhesives and antiseptics, preventing medical adhesive-related skin injury, managing sensitive skin, and when skin changes need professional attention.
A patient's guide to recognizing IV and catheter complications — including infiltration, phlebitis, infection, clotting, and air embolism — and knowing when and how to ask for help.
Quick reference cards for patients with vascular access devices — concise summaries of PICC care, port care, flush schedules, when to call versus go to the ER, signs of catheter infection, and emergency contacts. Designed to be printed and posted at home.
How patients can actively participate in preventing IV medication errors — understanding the five rights, verifying identity before every administration, knowing your medications, asking questions, safe home medication management, and speaking up when something seems wrong.
How patients and families can help prevent IV-related infections, what hand hygiene means at the bedside, when to alert your care team, and what your nurses are doing to keep your catheter safe.
How patients receiving IV therapy can reduce their risk of falling — in the hospital and at home — including IV pole navigation, medication side effects, safe movement with a catheter, and when to ask for help.
What patients with vascular access devices need to know when visiting the emergency room — what to tell triage, how to protect your catheter, what ER staff may want to do, how to advocate for your device, and what to bring.
What patients need to know about allergies and sensitivities related to IV therapy — including drug allergies, latex allergy, tape and adhesive reactions, antiseptic sensitivities, and how to recognize and respond to an allergic reaction.