Accessing
Connector / Cap |
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Scrub the hub thoroughly with alcohol for 15-30 seconds
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Consider using disinfection caps
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Every time you:
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Enter the connector to flush,
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Administer medication, or
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Connect any tubing
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Prevents outside bacteria from entering the line |
Blood Draw |
Aseptic Technique
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Slowly using 10mL or larger syringe
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Flush with 10 mL NS before and 20mL NS after
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Per Licensed Practitioner orders or routine lab work |
Reduces needle sticks |
Assess Need |
Evaluate the need for IV meds or fluids with the patient care team |
Every shift |
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Longer catheter dwell times lead to higher risk of infection
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Remove catheter if not needed
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Site
Evaluation |
Observe site for signs of infection: redness, edema, drainage, tenderness, etc. |
Every shift and as needed |
Consistent monitoring leads to faster treatment of complications |
Flushing /
Locking |
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Scrub the connector
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Know manufacturer directions for flushing /clamp/syringe removal sequence
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Use commercially prefilled 10mL size syringes
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Do not force or push against resistance
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Consider Push/Pause Technique
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Before and after every medication
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Before and after every blood draw
If not in use:
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Non-valved: every 24 hours
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Valved: once a week
|
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Prevents incompatible fluids/medications from combining
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Flush after each infusion to clear the catheter lumen
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Needleless Access Device Change |
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Aseptic technique
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Scrub the hub with alcohol
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Change with admin set or every 7 days
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After a lab draw
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Prevents outside bacteria from entering the line |
Dressing Change |
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Aseptic technique
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Sterile dressing change kit
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Use clear dressings (TSM) without gauze underneath; consider antimicrobial disc
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Gauze and tape for patients with skin irritation
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Securement device
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Label date, time, initials
|
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Every 7 days or when dressing is loose, wet, or soiled
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Gauze dressings should be changed every 48 hours
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Securement device should be changed with dressing
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Antimicrobial disk with each dressing
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Helps prevents infection
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Clear dressing allows for visualization of the site
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Securement device prevents catheter movement, dislodgement, and phlebitis
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Label communicates dressing age
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