Infusion Nursing Notes Blog

How to Use the IG Side Effects Card

21. July 2023 Marianna Herrera Infusion Basics, IVIG Essentials, Nursing Support (0)

Prior to an infusion visit, we ask nurses to contact patients 12 -24 hours before and complete our Pre-Infusion Checklist (IVIG Pre-Infusion Checklist / SCIG Pre-Infusion Checklist). Nufactor developed the checklist to help the nurse and patient plan for a successful infusion. The list is a great tool and helps nurses guide their patients using a standardized check-off format. The list provides tips to give to the patient the day prior to, the day of, and the day after an infusion. [More]

Dos and Don’ts of Patient Education

21. April 2023 Jean McCaslin Infusion Basics, Nursing Support (0)

One of the most anxiety-producing aspects of life is “fear of the unknown.” This is particularly true in healthcare. From relatively benign medical conditions to devastatingly critical or life-threatening illnesses, the statement “knowledge is power” should not be underestimated when developing patient treatment plans; it can be a powerful tool in establishing the levelheadedness needed for a patient to manage their illness. Patient education is often as simple as explaining a laboratory test or a minor dietary change. As nurses, we may impart knowledge in a casual or off-the-cuff manner when discussing medical issues that have become routine for us, yet not for the patient. Patient education processes are oftentimes not formalized, particularly in some private physician offices. When programs do exist, time constraints in an office setting can make it almost impossible to share crucial information from their educational programs with each and every patient. [More]

Troubleshooting Implanted Ports

23. March 2023 Candy Finley & Marianna Herrera Infusion Basics, Nursing Support (0)

As a health care provider in the home setting, coming across various types of venous access devices is expected. Access devices can vary from peripherally inserted catheters for short-term or intermittently administered therapies, such as IVIG or infliximab, to centrally placed devices for long-term use, especially if there are venous access problems. A physician and patient should discuss and decide on the most appropriate venous access device while considering the duration of therapy, lifestyle, and history of venous access issues. Nurses are expected to maintain various types of central venous access devices (CVADs), such as peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), central venous catheters (CVCs) such as Hickman™ and Broviac™ catheters, and implanted ports. Patients may already have a CVAD when admitted for home infusion therapy services or require placement after admission if they have poor or inaccessible venous access and the need for long-term therapy. This blog will focus on handling and troubleshooting ports. [More]

Infliximab, Biologics: Infusion Precautions

11. November 2022 Marianna Herrera Infusion Basics, IVIG Essentials (0)

Biologics products have been developed to treat undesirable immune responses caused by chronic systemic inflammatory conditions. The immune system consists of a vast network of cells, tissues and organs that all perform specific functions to help keep the “host” in a state of equilibrium. Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody tumor necrosis factor α (TNF) inhibitor. That has been used to slow the progression of several inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis by blocking the activation of TNF, target specific therapy. [More]

Managing IVIG-Related Side Effects

5. August 2022 Jean McCaslin Infusion Basics, IVIG Essentials, Nursing Support (0)

Intravenous Immune Globulin (IVIG) infusions are generally well tolerated. Most associated side effects are mild and managed with multiple approaches which may include pre-medication, clinical consultation providing education on what to expect with infusion, ongoing monitoring of infusions, and modifications to the individualized patient infusion protocol if side effects occur. [More]

Infusion Supply and Inventory Management

15. July 2022 Nufactor Administrator Infusion Basics, IVIG Essentials (0)

The most important things you will need in the home as a field nurse are proper supplies. If anything is missing, it may delay a start of care (SOC). Nufactor provides the ancillary supplies a nurse needs to complete an infusion except for a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and thermometer, which the nurse should provide. [More]

Traveling with Traditional SCIG

1. July 2022 Nufactor Administrator Infusion Basics, Nursing Support (0)

Has it occurred to you that a patient might not know that they need to pack a sharps disposal container when traveling and may find themselves scrambling to find a way to dispose of used needles while on vacation? [More]

Management of SCIG Side effects

3. June 2022 Nufactor Administrator Infusion Basics, IVIG Essentials, Nursing Support (0)

The greatest advantage of subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) is that it provides the patient with autonomy, which helps them feel empowered to live a normal life. Nurses are responsible for teaching patients how to manage the expected side effects. Most patients do not require premeds; if they are ordered, advise your patient to be compliant with them. Always ensure the anaphylaxis kit is readily available for each infusion regardless of past tolerability. It should consist of a double pack epinephrine autoinjector and oral Benadryl. Please instruct the patient how to use it properly before leaving their home. [More]

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By Nufactor

Infusion Nursing Notes by Nufactor provides education, resources and support to promote successful patient therapy within the infusion nursing community.