Date of Graduation

Summer 8-7-2018

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

First Advisor

Dr. Cathy Coleman

Abstract

Abstract

Amiodarone is used in the management of ventricular and atrial arrhythmias, and the drug of choice among many cardiothoracic surgeons to manage post-operative arrhythmias. Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response, is the most common arrhythmia treated with amiodarone in a telemetry unit in one medical center located in northern California. Nurses have noted a high incidence rate of phlebitis related to amiodarone infusion even when the current hospital guidelines are being followed. Data were collected over six months and included 35 patients, each infusion via a different intravenous site was considered another occurrence, for a total of 40 infusions. There were 16 cases of phlebitis that developed which was a 40% incidence rate. Some patients had more than one episode of phlebitis. A multidisciplinary team was formed to introduce practice change. Interventions focused on education of staff and implementation of evidence-based practice guidelines for infusion. Data collection of phlebitis incidence was performed post-intervention over four weeks that included 4 patients with a total of 7 infusions. Each infusion was considered as a separate occurrence. There were 3 cases of phlebitis, with one patient accounting for two cases. The result is a 43% incidence rate of phlebitis. A follow-up study is necessary after six-months of data collection post-intervention in order to make a more balanced analysis of the result, and this continuation of data collection is in progress.

Keywords: Amiodarone, phlebitis, guideline, side effects, infusion, thrombophlebitis.

Download

Share

COinS