Preventive Measures of Infection Related to Peripheral Venous Catheter: Adherence in Intensive Care

Objective: to analyze the adherence of nursing professionals to preventive measures of infection by peripheral venous catheter. Methods: a cross-sectional study carried out in an adult intensive care unit with 47 nursing professionals. Results: statistically relevant measures for adherence to infection prevention were identified, such as double checking of drugs, verification of medication prior to administration, certification of allergy in patients prior to administration, separation of material prior to procedure, length of stay of the catheter for less than 72 hours, fixation exchange in 24 hours, actions related to the handling of the injection ports and connectors, and access salinization after administering solutions through the catheter. These measures were not yet fully added in the professional routines of the research subjects, despite professionals had stated they knew them (97.9%) and that the measures contributed to preventive actions (100.0%). Conclusion: the investigated nursing professionals showed low adherence to the preventive measures of infection in the peripheral venous catheters.