By taking the ECG/Terminal Tip Positioning Systems program, you will learn how and why the electrocardiogram (ECG) is an effective system for guided tip positioning of a central venous catheter.
During the placement of a central venous catheter, one of the larger veins of the arm, chest or neck is accessed. A catheter is inserted and threaded into the the superior vena cava. The final tip position of the catheter must be confirmed in the lower 1/3 of the SVC prior to the infusion of any therapies. In this course, you will learn how ECG is used as a tool to guide the inserter during placement of a CVC to position the catheter tip deep SVC, eliminating the need for radiographic confirmation post insertion.
There are distinct advantages using ECG tip confirmation over conventional X-ray confirmation.
Advantages include: Cost savings, patient safety and accuracy are all achieved with ECG tip confirmation. It's more accurate and more precise than X-ray. Lastly it is less trouble and much faster than X-ray and can be read at the bedside by the inserting clinician.
- Identify the importance of real-time tip confirmation
- Describe the anatomy and electrophysiology of the heart
- Review ECG waveforms, how they work and what each waveform represents
- Explain how to apply ECG as a method to accurately determine terminal tip location during the placement of central venous catheters
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider # CEP 15304 Continuing Nursing Education also provided through Florida Board of Nursing, Provider # 50-1594 CNE status acceptable for all states within the USA