Abstract
Introduction: Nurses often use intravenous heparin locks (HL) with pediatric patients while obtaining
laboratory studies to evaluate fever without a source. The purpose of the HL is to
avoid an intramuscular injection if parenteral antibiotics are subsequently ordered.
The objectives of this study were to determine if HL placement in patients undergoing
laboratory evaluation for fever without a source (1) results in fewer injections and
(2) is associated with increased use of antibiotics. Methods: A retrospective chart review of ED patients aged 3 to 36 months was performed. Patients
included in the review had fever with no identified source of infection, and a complete
blood cell count and/or blood culture had been ordered. For analysis, patients who
received an HL were compared with patients who did not receive an HL. Results: A total of 439 patients had laboratory studies for fever without a source, with 345
(79%) in the HL group. No statistically significant differences were found in antibiotic
administration, number of needle sticks, age, temperature, or white blood cell count
between the groups. Discussion: The use of an HL in young febrile ED patients did not change the total number of
needle sticks or the likelihood of antibiotic administration.
J Emerg Nurs 2001;27:335-9.
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Article info
Footnotes
☆For reprints, write: E. Melinda Mahabee-Gittens, MD, MS, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Division of Emergency Medicine, 3333 Burnet Ave, OSB-4, Cincinnati, OH 45229-2899; E-mail: [email protected] .
Identification
Copyright
© 2001 Emergency Nurses Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
