Effect of a Vein Imaging Device and of Fist Clenching on Determination of an Appropriate Vein and on Catheter Placement Time in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND

As the vein structure gets damaged in patients receiving chemotherapy treatment, placement of peripheral intravenous catheter becomes difficult. To increase the success of peripheral intravenous catheter placement, a vein imaging device and fist clenching can be used.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of using a vein imaging device or fist clenching on the determination of an appropriate vein and successful catheter placement time in adult patients receiving chemotherapy.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-five patients receiving chemotherapy were randomly assigned to either the vascular imaging device group (n = 45), the fist clenching group (n = 45), or the control group (n = 45). In the vascular imaging group, a vascular imaging device was used to determine the appropriate vein; in the fist clenching group, the patients were asked to open and close their palms to determine the appropriate vein; and in the control group, no interventions except for the process steps were applied and the same nurse carried out the catheter insertion.

RESULTS

The durations of determining the appropriate vein and successful peripheral intravenous catheter insertion were shorter in the device group at a significant level (P < .05) compared with the control group. The satisfaction levels of the patients and the nurse were higher in the device group at a significant level (P < .05) compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

The vascular imaging device was effective in determining the proper vein and in successful intravenous catheter insertion time in patients who were receiving chemotherapy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The use of vein imaging device will have positive results for patients and nurses.