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Tag: Medical guidelines

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

Why should PICC lines be changed every 7 days and prn?

4 min read
According to established medical guidelines from bodies like the Infusion Nurses Society, a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) dressing must be changed every 7 days and prn to reduce the risk of bloodstream infections. This stringent schedule is a critical component of infection control and patient safety, ensuring the catheter site remains clean and secure throughout the treatment duration.

How often does a PICC need to be replaced?

5 min read
Unlike a standard peripheral IV that requires frequent replacement, a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) line is not routinely replaced based on a fixed schedule. This is a crucial distinction for patients undergoing long-term intravenous therapy and is at the heart of the question, how often does a PICC need to be replaced?

Do all surgeries require fasting? Not always—here's why

4 min read
Not all surgeries require fasting, but it is a critical safety protocol for many procedures involving specific types of anesthesia. The specific requirements depend on several factors, so the question, **do all surgeries require fasting?** cannot be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no.'

How long does a patient need to lay flat after a central line is removed?

4 min read
Following the removal of a central venous catheter (CVC), also known as a central line, proper patient positioning is a critical safety measure. A key question in this process is **how long does a patient need to lay flat after a central line is removed?** to prevent complications like an air embolism, which occurs when air enters the bloodstream.

What size syringe to use on central line?

4 min read
According to clinical guidelines, using a syringe smaller than 10 mL on a central venous access device (CVAD) can generate dangerously high pressure and cause catheter damage. Understanding exactly what size syringe to use on a central line is critical for patient safety and preventing complications.

Understanding When: How many units of blood is too many?

4 min read
While blood transfusions are life-saving medical procedures, a 'massive transfusion' is clinically defined as administering 10 or more units of red blood cells within 24 hours. Determining **how many units of blood is too many** is not a fixed number but depends on the critical balance between therapeutic benefit and associated risks for each patient.

How quickly should platelets be transfused? A comprehensive guide

4 min read
According to the National Institutes of Health, a platelet transfusion is generally administered over 30 to 60 minutes, though this can be faster or slower depending on the clinical situation. This rate addresses the critical question of **How quickly should platelets be transfused?** for optimal patient safety and efficacy.

Understanding the Protocols: How do you flush your system before surgery?

4 min read
Approximately 1 in 2,000 to 3,000 patients undergoing anesthesia experience pulmonary aspiration, a serious complication that makes safe preparation vital. For this reason, the popular notion of how do you flush your system before surgery must be replaced with strict, medically-supervised protocols designed to minimize risks and ensure patient safety.