Because of the invasive nature and the pervasive use of vascular access devices (VADs) in all health care settings, use of expert assessment skills throughout the life of each VAD is crucial to enhance patient safety and optimize VAD function. Knowledge of VAD-related complications and associated risk factors is essential to ensure proper VAD function and to mitigate potential patient harm through early recognition. Once a particular VAD is selected and successfully placed, continued assessment based on VAD, on the patient, and on infusate risks is crucial. This talk will review VAD-related complications and related global VAD assessment parameters that are utilized to optimize patient outcomes. These concepts will then be applied to the proper assessment and management of peripheral and central VADs in a variety of clinical settings.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:

· Describe global VAD assessment parameters that will enhance optimal VAD function and early recognition of complications

· Discuss utilization of patient and infusate-based assessment parameters to improve peripheral IV management

· Relate the use of device-specific CVAD assessment criteria to optimal device performance and positive patient outcomes