Parenteral Nutrition and Broviac Line Safety Awareness
Level:
CPD
Duration:
3 hrs
Course code:
TD/2025/09059
Max group:
12
Learn safe practices for administering parenteral nutrition and managing Broviac lines in care



Course Summary
Parenteral Nutrition and Broviac Line Safety Awareness
The Parenteral Nutrition and Broviac Line Safety Awareness course is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to safely manage parenteral nutrition (PN) therapy and Broviac lines in clinical settings. This course covers the principles of PN, indications for use, and the safe administration of nutritional support through intravenous routes. Additionally, it focuses on the management and care of Broviac lines, a common type of central venous catheter used for long-term venous access, particularly in patients requiring PN. Participants will gain insight into best practices for preventing complications, including infections, occlusions, and line dislodgement, while ensuring optimal patient outcomes. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, this course prepares healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality care to patients requiring these advanced therapies. Key Learning Objectives: Understand the Basics of Parenteral Nutrition (PN) Define parenteral nutrition and its key components, including macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats), micronutrients, vitamins, and electrolytes. Identify the indications for PN therapy and recognize patients who may require it (e.g., those with gastrointestinal disorders, malabsorption, or severe malnutrition). Learn how to assess a patient's nutritional needs and customize PN formulations. Safe Administration of Parenteral Nutrition Gain knowledge on the proper techniques for preparing and administering PN, including the management of infusions via peripheral and central venous access. Understand how to monitor patients receiving PN for potential complications such as fluid imbalance, hyperglycemia, or electrolyte disturbances. Learn how to troubleshoot common issues, such as air embolism, catheter displacement, or extravasation, to minimize risks. Broviac Line Overview and Indications Learn about Broviac lines, their anatomy, placement procedures, and appropriate clinical indications, particularly for long-term intravenous access and PN administration. Understand the benefits of Broviac lines for pediatric and adult patients needing extended nutritional support. Proper Insertion, Maintenance, and Care of Broviac Lines Familiarize with the steps involved in safe Broviac line insertion, including aseptic techniques and ensuring proper positioning for effective nutrient delivery. Learn daily maintenance tasks for Broviac lines, such as dressing changes, flushing protocols, and infection prevention measures. Understand the signs and symptoms of complications such as infection, thrombosis, and catheter occlusion. Preventing and Managing Complications in PN and Broviac Lines Identify early warning signs of potential complications, including infections (e.g., catheter-related bloodstream infections), thrombosis, and mechanical issues like occlusions or dislodgement. Learn evidence-based interventions to manage complications and when to escalate care, including the role of diagnostic tests like blood cultures or ultrasound. Understand how to use appropriate infection control practices to minimize risk. Patient Education and Family Involvement Develop effective communication strategies to educate patients and their families about the importance of proper care and maintenance of Broviac lines and PN therapy. Provide guidance on how to manage parenteral nutrition at home, including infection prevention, catheter care, and recognizing signs of complications. Ethical and Legal Considerations in PN and Line Safety Understand the ethical and legal responsibilities in providing long-term PN and managing central venous access devices like Broviac lines. Discuss informed consent, patient autonomy, and collaborative decision-making when initiating PN therapy or inserting a Broviac line. Case Studies and Real-World Application Apply course knowledge through case study discussions involving complex patient scenarios and decision-making. Review common clinical challenges in managing parenteral nutrition and Broviac line safety, with a focus on improving patient outcomes and minimizing complications. Review and Final Assessment Recap key topics, including PN administration, Broviac line care, complication prevention, and patient education. Complete a written assessment and practical demonstration to evaluate knowledge retention and competency in applying safe practices.





Course Contents
Introduction to Parenteral Nutrition (PN)
Definition and Overview of Parenteral Nutrition
What is parenteral nutrition?
Types of PN (total parenteral nutrition [TPN], partial parenteral nutrition [PPN])
Indications for PN therapy
Components of Parenteral Nutrition
Macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, fats Micronutrients: vitamins, minerals, trace elements
Electrolytes and fluids
Nutritional Assessment and Formulation Calculating nutritional requirements based on patient condition
Customizing PN formulas based on medical needs and conditions
Safe Administration of Parenteral Nutrition Techniques for Administering PN Peripheral vs. central venous access for PN
Setting up and monitoring IV infusion pumps Infusion rates and adjustments based on patient needs
Monitoring Patients on Parenteral Nutrition
Vital signs and laboratory tests to monitor during PN therapy
Recognizing signs of complications such as fluid overload, hyperglycemia, or electrolyte imbalances
Ensuring patient comfort and adjusting therapies accordingly
Troubleshooting Common Issues in PN Administration Catheter occlusion, air embolism, and extravasation management
Handling interruptions in PN administration
Broviac Line Overview and Indications
Introduction to Broviac Lines
What is a Broviac line and how does it differ from other central venous catheters?
Indications for using a Broviac line in clinical settings
Role of Broviac lines in long-term intravenous access and PN therapy
Clinical Benefits and Challenges
Why Broviac lines are preferred for pediatric and adult patients requiring extended access
Potential complications and risks associated with long-term use
Insertion, Maintenance, and Care of Broviac Lines
Insertion Techniques and Best Practices
Aseptic techniques for catheter insertion
Ensuring correct placement of Broviac lines Post-insertion care: monitoring for complications
Daily Maintenance and Monitoring
Dressing changes and site care protocols Flushing and locking Broviac lines to prevent occlusions
How to handle accidental dislodgement and other immediate concerns
Preventing Infection and Thrombosis
Infection control protocols for Broviac line care
Understanding and preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs)
Recognizing early signs of infection or thrombosis and initiating intervention
Complications in Parenteral Nutrition and Broviac Lines
Infections and Sepsis
Identifying and preventing catheter-related infections Sepsis prevention strategies for patients receiving PN
Understanding the role of antimicrobial therapy and cultures Thrombosis and Occlusion
Causes and prevention of catheter occlusions Identifying symptoms of line thrombosis
Management and treatment options for occlusions
Mechanical Problems with Broviac Lines
Dislodgement or misplacement of the Broviac catheter Blockages and how to troubleshoot blocked lines
Managing air embolism and other critical events
Managing and Troubleshooting Parenteral Nutrition Complications
Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
Monitoring and correcting fluid balance in patients receiving PN Handling electrolyte abnormalities: sodium, potassium, and calcium levels
Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia in PN Causes, prevention, and management of blood sugar fluctuations
Understanding insulin and glucose management in PN patients
Nutritional Deficiencies and Toxicities Preventing and managing complications related to under- or over-supplementation of nutrients
Recognizing symptoms of nutritional deficiencies or toxicities
Patient Education and Family Involvement
Effective Communication with Patients and Families
Educating patients and caregivers on the importance of Broviac line care and maintenance
Instructions for daily care, dressing changes, and cleaning techniques
Teaching patients and families how to identify potential complications (e.g., infection or occlusion)
Home Care for Patients Receiving PN and Broviac Lines
Key steps for home-based care of Broviac lines
How to manage PN therapy at home, including troubleshooting and emergency response
Coordination with healthcare teams and regular follow-ups
Ethical and Legal Considerations in PN and Line Safety Informed
Consent and Decision-Making
Ethical considerations for starting long-term PN therapy
Addressing patient autonomy and consent when managing Broviac lines
Collaborative decision-making with patients and caregivers Legal Responsibilities
Documentation practices for PN administration and Broviac line management
Ensuring patient safety and minimizing legal risks in the clinical environment

Assessment
The instructor conducts a single written assessments at the end of the course. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a three-year Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults (Level 6 in Scotland). No external assessors are required for this qualification.
Duration
The course requires a minimum of 7 hours, distributed over the day. While it is ideal to complete the course in one day, we can adjust the schedule to suit your specific needs, as long as the course is completed within 3 weeks of starting and each training session lasts at least two hours.

Certification Validity
This qualification has no formal expiry, however regular CPD and updates are recommended.



Further Information - Course Numbers
A maximum of 12 students can be accommodated on this course and all candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age to qualify.
Assessment method: Activities, test paper.
Pre-requisite: None
Suggested progression:
recommended refresher training and CPD;