ANALYSIS OF NURSING CARE TO USERS OF PERIPHERAL VENOUS ACCESS

Objective: To analyze the nursing care provided to users of peripheral venous catheter. Method: Descriptive, cross-sectional study, performed at a mid-sized hospital situated in the high productive backcountry of Bahia, whose participants were surgical patients using peripheral venous catheters for more than 72 hours. Results: 103 patients were included; 15.5% of the bandages were dirty and/or wet, 40.8% had no date of insertion, 58.3% had no professional identification, 34.9% showed signs of infection, 50.4% did not have records on the chart and 33% presented bacterial growth. Conclusion: Nursing care to users of peripheral venous catheters has not been adequate, resulting in preventable complications when considering scientific recommendations for care with peripheral venous access.