Background: Peripheral venous cannulation is one of the most common clinical procedures, yet it often causes significant pain, anxiety, and discomfort for patients. While pharmacological methods exist, non-pharmacological interventions offer a low-cost, low-risk alternative that eliminates waiting times for anesthetic onset. The aim of this review is to synthesize the various nonpharmacological interventions for procedural pain reduction during PIVC in adults, covering interventions ranging from psychological distraction to advanced procedural support technologies. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework. Databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Inclusion criteria focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies involving adult patients undergoing PIVC. Results: Thirty studies (29 randomized controlled trials and one experimental study) were included in the final analysis. The interventions were categorized into three primary groups: distraction techniques, physical methods, and behavioral techniques. The application of virtual reality (VR), optical illusion cards, and music therapy significantly reduced pain scores and enhanced patient satisfaction. Similarly, physical methods, such as thermomechanical stimulation (e.g., the Buzzy^® device), local heat application, and vibration, were found to be effective in lowering pain intensity compared to standard care. Behavioral techniques, including the “cough trick,” diaphragmatic breathing, and the Valsalva maneuver, consistently demonstrated efficacy in reducing both procedural pain and anxiety. Notably, while most interventions successfully reduced pain, certain methods—such as near-infrared (NIR) vein visualization—improved procedural success rates without significantly altering the subjective perception of pain. Conclusions: Findings from this review suggest that non-pharmacological interventions may serve as effective, safe, and feasible adjuncts for pain management during peripheral venous cannulation. Techniques such as the cough trick and vibration-based devices are particularly recommended due to their ease of integration into routine nursing practice, potentially improving patient comfort and clinical outcomes.

Ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that employs high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal bodily structures. In the field of nursing, ultrasound serves as a valuable instrument for swiftly and non-invasively evaluating precise anatomical structures, such as venous...

Aim. The aim of this study is to assess nurses’ opinions on the usability, effectiveness, and benefits of midline catheters (MC) in nursing practice. Additionally, the study identifies nurses’ subjective knowledge levels and training needs related to these catheters. Material and methods. A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted from 15th October to 15th November 2023, involving 127 nurses from various departments. Data were collected through an anonymous survey with 13 questions about opinions on MC, subjective knowledge, and sociodemographic metrics. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics. Results. Most nurses had experience with patients using midline catheters, and the average rating of opinions on MC was 4.44 on a Likert scale (1-5). The average subjective knowledge about MC was 4.26. A total of 88% of respondents desired future training on MC, and 72% wanted to learn how to insert these catheters. Nurses who attended training rated their preparedness to handle MCs higher. Conclusions. Midline catheters are well-regarded by nurses and integral to their practice. Regular training and support are essential for effectively implementing new medical technologies. Investing in medical staff education is crucial for improving healthcare quality and patient safety.

Background/Objectives: Peripheral venous cannulation is one of the most frequently performed invasive procedures in adult patients and is often associated with procedural pain. Despite the availability of various pain-reduction strategies, analgesia during cannulation is not consistently implemented in routine clinical practice. The aim of this review was to identify local pharmacological interventions recommended for reducing procedural pain during peripheral venous cannulation, to assess their clinical effectiveness, and to determine which interventions may be feasibly incorporated into everyday clinical practice. Methods: A literature review was conducted including randomized controlled trials, prospective studies, and meta-analyses involving adult patients undergoing peripheral venous cannulation. Outcomes of interest included procedural pain intensity, clinical effectiveness of pharmacological interventions, and their impact on additional outcomes such as patient satisfaction, anxiety, and safety. Results: Peripheral venous cannulation was most commonly associated with moderate-intensity pain. The use of local pharmacological interventions—particularly vapocoolant sprays and topical local anesthetics in cream or patch form—resulted in a significant reduction in pain intensity compared with placebo or no intervention. Several studies also reported improved patient satisfaction and a favorable safety profile of the analyzed interventions. Conclusions: Current evidence indicates that local pharmacological interventions are effective and safe in reducing pain associated with peripheral venous cannulation and may represent a valuable component of patient-centered clinical care. In addition to summarizing clinical effectiveness, this review highlights practical and organizational factors influencing the implementation of pharmacological pain-reducing interventions in routine nursing practice.

We present a case report of an 80-year-old patient hospitalized for thrombocytopenia of unknown etiology. In order to minimize the risk of complications typical of central catheters, it was decided to use a midline catheter. The procedure was performed by an experienced operator using ultrasonography. The case report emphasizes the importance of individual risk assessment and treatment planning by the intravenous route in patients with thrombocytopenia. Concerns about platelet transfusion before the cannulation procedure are discussed, taking into account the minimal invasiveness of the procedure and the possibility of controlling bleeding from the midline catheter insertion site.

Introduction. Effective and rapid confirmation of endotracheal tube (ETT) placement is vital for patient safety. Traditional methods such as capnography or chest auscultation have diagnostic limitations, especially in emergencies or at low pulmonary perfusion. The increasing use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) offers opportunities to expand nursing competencies. Aim. This narrative review presents ultrasound techniques used to confirm and monitor ETT placement, compares their effectiveness with classical methods, and evaluates their potential implementation in nursing practice. Material and methods. The review followed the SANRA guidelines. Databases PubMed, Embase, and Scopus (1992–2025) were searched, yielding 52 eligible publications. The analysed studies included randomized trials, prospective and cross-sectional studies, case series, and systematic or narrative reviews. Studies in which ultrasound was used only as an adjunct to intubation were excluded. Results. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) shows high accuracy in confirming ETT placement – many studies report sensitivity and specificity above 95%, with confirmation times of only a few seconds. Protocols such as TRUE and 5-AIR standardize the procedure and improve safety. Compared with capnography and auscultation, ultrasound is faster and less dependent on haemodynamics. Limitations include study heterogeneity, single-centre designs and risk of artefacts. Implementation in nursing practice requires structured training, immediate equipment access and clear team roles.