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

A Word on Neurology

Regardless of the area of specialty any nurse is employed, we all have learned the importance of the holistic approach to patient care. We regularly assess cardiac and respiratory function through monitoring vital signs. We are trained to ask about a history of things like diabetes and high cholesterol. We adjust and adapt medications and work in concert with medical physicians to address these common medical conditions, thus improving our knowledge level in these areas. [More]

Understanding Titration: IVIG and Infliximab

By Jean McCaslin, RN, IgCN
Nurses in a variety of settings follow an infusion titration (increasing or decreasing the rate of the dose) when infusing many medications. While it is understood that the use of titration is prudent particularly for first-dosing, there are no established uniform standards in the industry for infusing many medications, including intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and infliximab (brands include Remicade®, Inflectra® and Renflexis®). Titration standards may be developed by individual prescribers, hospital systems, nursing agencies, outpatient infusion centers, or specialty pharmacies, yet each may differ from the other. [More]

Psycho-social Considerations of Patients Receiving Home Infusion of Immune Globulin

By Jean McCaslin, RN, IgCN.

In every aspect of medical care, a patient-centric approach is invaluable. Each healthcare discipline must take into consideration each patient’s holistic need when undertaking a plan of care; psycho-social needs are particularly critical. Patients receiving immune globulin (IG) oftentimes are newly diagnosed with a chronic or debilitating disorder and experience adverse feelings. Care partners or family members may be equally affected by the diagnosis and prescribed treatment modalities. [More]

Home Infusion of Immune Globulin: Navigating the Challenges

By Jean McCaslin, RN, IgCN.

Home health care continues to be the fastest growing segment of the health care industry. Many patients prefer the convenience and comfort of receiving care in the home. While the infusion of immune globulin (IG) requires specialty knowledge and precaution, the home infusion environment itself requires thoughtful consideration and accommodation. [More]

Part Two of Two. Central Catheters used for IVIG: Care and Complications of PICC lines and Port-a-Caths

By Jean McCaslin, RN, IgCN.

In our last blog, the types of central catheters typically used for the infusion of IVIG were discussed. Also reviewed, was the assessment of these ports as it relates to IVIG therapy. In this blog, the care of central lines (herein called VADs; Vascular Access Devices) and potential complications will be covered. This discussion will be limited to the intermittent use of VADs for IVIG therapy being given between 1-5 days monthly. For more detailed information regarding continuous VAD use, or the administration of other medications, please refer to the INS standards published on their website. [More]