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

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Nurse’s Perspective

As a nurse, I have had the privilege of caring for patients with a variety of challenging diseases. One of the most challenging and complex diseases I have encountered was rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and potential joint damage. It’s not just a physical condition; it affects the emotional and psychological well-being of the patient as well. In this blog, I aim to share insights into RA from a nurse’s perspective, providing information on the disease, its management, and the importance of a holistic care approach. [More]

Gratitude

Let’s start by taking a couple of deep breaths, inhale through your nose and slowly exhale out through your mouth (smell the flowers and blow out the candles is how I like to say it). Starting your day with a few minutes of prayer or meditation helps you to be intentional. Let’s begin! [More]

Troubleshooting Implanted Ports

As a health care provider in the home setting, you may come across various types of venous access devices, from peripherally inserted catheters for short term or intermittently administered therapies like IVIG and infliximab to centrally placed devices for long-term use, especially if there are venous access problems. [More]

Administration, Common Side Effects and Dosing of INFLIXIMAB (REMICADE®)

By Candy Finley, RN, IgCN.

Infliximab is an intravenously administered genetically engineered monoclonal antibody that neutralizes inflammation caused by a protein called tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) by binding to the soluble and transmembrane forms of TNFα with its receptors. Elevated concentrations of TNFα have been found in the tissues and fluids of patients with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved diagnoses. Infliximab controls the activity of several inflammatory chemicals. It is FDA-approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ulcerative colitis. Once established on treatment, symptoms should start to improve over a period of two to twelve weeks. [More]