Standards in Practice: Preventing Reflux, Occlusion & CLABSI

Webinar Summary

Catheter occlusion, blood reflux, and CLABSIs are interconnected problems rooted in events within the catheter lumen. Blood reflux drives catheter dysfunction, thrombotic occlusion, higher thrombolytic use, and increased infection risk. This presentation reviews mechanical and physiologic causes of reflux and explains how even small blood volumes can impair catheter performance. It examines needleless connector designs, clarifies misconceptions about “neutral” displacement, and highlights research showing significant differences in reflux volumes across connector types. Current practice standards are integrated with emerging evidence to outline best practices for flushing, clamping, and device selection. By linking reflux control to fewer occlusions, lower infection risk, and better outcomes, the presentation offers actionable strategies to improve vascular access safety and performance. Nancy Moureau has the following relevant relationships with ineligible companies. All relationships have been mitigated by the AACN Nurse Planner. Speaker/Consultant for: Avanos/Nexus Medical, Access Vascular. Research Consultant/Speaker for: Covalon, Parker Laboratories Education Support for: Accuvein and Vygon.

Objectives

Identify common causes of catheter occlusion
Define and describe the impact of blood reflux with vascular access devices.
Discuss evidence-based guidance on flushing, connectors, reflux control, and CLABSI reduction for vascular access devices.

Presenter

Nancy L Moureau, PhD, RN, CRNI, CPUI, VA-BC

Nancy is an internationally recognized authority on peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and vascular access practice. She is owner & CEO of PICC Excellence, developing online education programs and partnering with companies to deliver clinician training worldwide. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Griffith University and a member of the AVATAR (Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research) group, with global involvement in vascular access initiatives. Nancy earned a PhD from Griffith University for research in vascular access and shares expertise through speaking, publications, and the creation of innovative educational programs. Nancy is also the recipient of the Herbst Award for Excellence and is actively engaged in research and literature analysis.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Successful Completion

Learners must complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation to be awarded contact hours AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for 1.00 contact hours.

Disclosure

Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content will be identified by the Nurse Planner within the activity. Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content has been mitigated.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing education only and does not imply AACN, ANCC, or CBRN approval or endorsement of any commercial products discussed or displayed in conjunction with this educational activity.

Activities with pharmacology hours are to assist the APRN in fulfilling the pharmacotherapeutic education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Activities meet the standards for most states that require mandatory continuing education for license and/or certification renewal. AACN recommends consulting with your own state board of nursing or credentialing organization before submitting your certificate of completion.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.

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