Advancing the scope of nursing practice: hepatic arterial catheter removal.

A delay in hepatic artery infusion catheter removal may prolong patient discomfort and lead to additional complications. As a result, this article evaluated the effectiveness of shifting the responsibility of catheter removal from advanced practice or medical staff to nurses. Overall, patients were satisfied, felt comfortable, and experienced minimal pain irrespective of whether their catheter was removed by a nurse, physician, or advanced practice staff. Nurses also were satisfied and felt they had enhanced their ability to provide quality patient care.