The Use of Heparin Versus Saline to Maintain the Patency

question 18

Essay

The use of heparin versus saline to maintain the patency of peripheral intravenous catheters has been addressed in research for many years. The American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHSP) published a position paper in January 2006 advocating its support of the use of 0.9% saline in the maintenance of peripheral catheters in nonpregnant adults. It seems surprising that this position paper references articles that advocate the use of saline over heparin dating from 1991. What do you believe are some of the barriers that would have caused this delay in implementation?

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Definitions:

Eye Contact

The act of looking directly into another person's eyes, an important non-verbal communication tool that can convey confidence, interest, and emotional state.

Posture Shifts

Alterations in body position or stance that can convey non-verbal communication or reflect changes in emotional states.

Mysterious

Something that is difficult or impossible to understand, explain, or identify.

Self-Presentation

The process by which individuals attempt to control the impressions others form of them, often by manipulating their own social appearances or behaviors.