How to undertake effective record-keeping and documentation.

RATIONALE AND KEY POINTS: Effective record-keeping and documentation is an essential element of all healthcare professionals' roles, including nurses, and can support the provision of safe, high-quality patient care. This article explains the importance of record-keeping and documentation in nursing and healthcare, and outlines the principles for maintaining clear and accurate patient records. REFLECTIVE ACTIVITY: 'How to' articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence-based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of.

Remember the risks of intravenous therapy and know how to reduce them.

Nicola Brooks, Associate Dean, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, reflects on the potential problems that can occur with the administration of intravenous therapy.

Intravenous cannula site management.

Intravenous cannulation is becoming one of the most common procedures in healthcare as increasing numbers of patients are treated for acute and chronic illnesses. The use of an intravenous cannula is not without risk, so it is essential that the healthcare practitioner can justify why the patient requires cannulation, as well as being able to safely manage and provide ongoing care for patients with the device. This article provides an overview of intravenous cannulation, including the selection of appropriate cannulation sites, identification of the different types and sizes of cannula used, and cannula maintenance. Specific complications related to intravenous cannulation are discussed and guidance is given on how to recognise and avoid potential complications to ensure that practice is safe and effective.