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- Title
The Multiple Meanings of KVO: Results of a Canadian Survey.
- Authors
Paquet, France
- Abstract
Background The abbreviation for "keep vein open" is used regularly. It is thought to represent a rate of intravenous flow that will keep a catheter patent. However, this rate, when prescribed as "KVO," does not meet legal requirements and is prone to interpretation. A literature review failed to uncover any studies that examined the effects of specific flow rates on catheter patency and failure. To learn more about this practice, we surveyed Canadian nurses on the meaning they gave to this abbreviation. Purpose/Design The purpose of this study was to determine the specific KVO rate used routinely by nurses to facilitate the creation of a local hospital policy. Members of the CVAA were invited to participate in an online survey in June 2013. Results Over 400 nurses answered the survey. Results indicated that nurses used KVO rates very frequently -- 60% of the time, sometimes 26%, and rarely or never 14% of the time. The respondents reported a wide range of KVO rates (range: 0.2--75.0 mL/hour) with almost 50% of them indicating a preferred rate of 30 mL/hour. A specific rate for KVO was only included in the medical order 10% of the time. Discussion Given the arbitrary selection of 30 mL/hour as a KVO rate in the absence of any evidence, it is important to remember that locking a vascular access device is adequate to maintain catheter patency. However, there are some advantages to keeping a low infusion rate -- for example, when a patient requires very frequent injections of an intermittent medication. Conclusion Since no scientific base exists regarding KVO efficacy and the reported absence of a rate in the prescription, the use of KVO should be described in a hospital policy. This will reduce the variation between healthcare providers, harmonize practices, and promote locking of the vascular access when appropriate.
- Subjects
BLOOD vessels; INTRAVENOUS therapy; VASCULAR resistance; MEDICAL equipment; NURSING
- Publication
Vascular Access, 2014, Vol 8, Issue 1, p18
- ISSN
1913-6692
- Publication type
Article