Infusion Nursing Notes Blog

Part One of Two. Types of Central Catheters used for IVIG, Assessment, Care, and Complications

5. October 2016 Derrek Blake Infusion Basics, IVIG Essentials (0)

By Derrek Blake, RN, IgCN.

It is essential all nurses know how to properly evaluate, access, and provide proficient central line care. NuFactor provides IVIG therapy to patients in the home and while the majority of these patients receive IVIG via a peripheral IV, there are some patients who receive IVIG via a PICC line or an implanted port (such as Port-a-Cath brand). We as nurses must be competent and comfortable providing care to these patients with a central catheter. While central catheters can be slightly confusing to a nurse who may only see one central catheter a year, this post will help you understand the differences between central catheters used and how to provide the proper care for each. [More]

The Curlin Pump

12. September 2016 Candy Finley & Joseph DiStefano Infusion Basics, IVIG Essentials (0)

By Candy Finley, RN, IgCN and Joe DiStefano, RPh.

NuFACTOR Specialty Pharmacy programs pumps specifically to the patient orders. Always verify the patient's order with the pump program. Pumps are sent out in Variable Mode, which means the pump will titrate up on its own as it has been programmed. Remember to attach the vented spike adaptor to the spike of Curlin tubing. Per our policy, after spiking three vials, the nurse must use a new spike adaptor and Curlin tubing as they become dull and it is nearly impossible to separate them. [More]

Management of Anaphylaxis

14. June 2016 Joseph DiStefano Infusion Basics, IVIG Essentials (1)

By Joe DiStefano, RPh.

Regardless of past tolerance to immune globulin (IG), a patient can have a reaction to any dose. Taking prescribed pre-medications and taking oral ones approximately 30 – 60 minutes before IG can help minimize or eliminate common adverse reaction such as headache and flu-like symptoms. While uncommon but serious, an anaphylaxis reaction can also occur and is the reason to always have the anaphylaxis kit readily available for use. [More]

IVIG Brands

18. December 2015 Joseph DiStefano Infusion Basics, IVIG Essentials (1)

By Joe DiStefano, RPh.

There are ten different brands of intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) commercially available in the United States: [More]

Who To Call and When: A Guide to Communication With MD and Pharmacist Part 2

6. November 2015 Michelle Greer Infusion Basics, IVIG Essentials (0)

By Michelle Greer, RN, IgCN.

In our last blog, we talked about some of the more common side effects and when to communicate with the MD and the pharmacist. For Part 2, let’s talk about some additional side effects as well as signs and symptoms of more severe adverse events associated with immune globulin therapy. [More]

Who To Call and When: A Guide to Communication With The MD and Pharmacist Part 1

17. September 2015 Michelle Greer Infusion Basics, IVIG Essentials (1)

By Michelle Greer, RN, IgCN.

In the support of our patients in the homecare setting, it is imperative as nurses that we know when to notify the physician and pharmacist for patients receiving immune globulin therapy. IG therapy does have side effects, and it is important to recognize them and know what to do. Every patient will react differently to IG therapy. Some patients may experience no side effects at all, while others may have mild to moderate reactions. This goes for both IV and SC therapy. The management of IVIG and SCIG infusion side effects is crucial to the overall tolerability of IG therapy. [More]

Peripheral IV Access: A Lost Art?

20. August 2015 Candy Finley & Michelle Greer Infusion Basics, IVIG Essentials (2)

By Candy Finley, RN, IgCN & Michelle Greer, RN, IgCN.

Peripheral intravenous access catheters are a commonly used IV device for patients receiving infusion therapy at home. They are primarily used for administration of medications, fluids and/or blood products, and occasionally blood sampling. Long term and daily therapies have created a need for indwelling catheters, and PIV's are becoming less common. As a result, the skills required to properly access a vein with a catheter that can stay in place without complications have become somewhat "rusty." [More]

Pre-visit/Visit Preparation: Vital Tasks for a Successful Infusion

9. April 2015 Michelle Greer & Cindi Berry Infusion Basics, IVIG Essentials (2)

By Michelle Greer, RN, IgCN and Cindi Berry, RN, BSN.

When working in homecare, preparing to see your patient for intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) therapy can be challenging and requires a good deal of preparation. Many times, it is up to you, the registered nurse, to put together some of the information prior to seeing your patient. This information includes doctor visit notes, current orders prescribed by the doctor, specialty pharmacy orders and supplies, and knowing the type of therapy that will be administered in the home. In addition, since there are many different brands and doses of IG, you should be familiar with both of these prior to seeing your patient in the home. [More]

COVID 19 Pre-Visit Screen • Nursing Visit Guidance

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