Undergraduate nursing students' knowledge and experience in infusion therapy and peripheral vascular acces.

OBJECTIVES

to analyze the knowledge and experience of undergraduate nursing students regarding infusion therapy and peripheral vascular access.

METHODS

descriptive, cross-sectional, analytical study with 123 undergraduate nursing students who answered a semi-structured instrument.

RESULTS

the majority were women, with a median age of 51 years old; 87% considered the teaching received insufficient to perform in clinical practice. The mean overall knowledge score was 78.1 (SD± 8.97). The themes catheter flushing and lock (38.1%), catheter selection (34.2%), infusion equipment (30.9%) and insertion site (30.9%) presented a significant number of errors.

CONCLUSIONS

practical classes and execution of procedures in health services were predictors for a better knowledge about infusion therapy and vascular access by undergraduate nursing students.