Assessing Pediatric Patients for Vascular Access and Sedation

Central venous catheters have been established as a reliable source of vascular access since the 1970s. Peripherally inserted central catheters became a popular central catheter in the early 1990s for adults and children. The management of vascular access in children is an essential part of inpatient and outpatient care. Assessing and inserting the appropriate catheter for the pediatric patient is just a part of the component for central catheter care. Care providers also need to assess these children for sedation or distraction for the procedure. This article discusses factors for catheter choice and points for assessing children for sedation or distraction for vascular access insertion.