Instructed patient when you have a stoma that drains urine or loose stool you may want to consider using an extended wear skin barrier because it will give your skin added protection. Itching or burning under the skin barrier may indicate that you have leakage, a skin rash, or a skin infection. You need to remove your pouching system as soon as possible to check your skin for any irritation.
Instructed patient the stoma is your bowel. It is protected by mucus so stool or urine won’t hurt it. A stoma rarely becomes infected. The most important thing is to protect the skin around your stoma. A correct fitting pouching system is the best way to prevent an infection of your skin. If there is a small leak under my skin barrier, is it okay to patch it with tape or paste: Always change your pouching system at the first signs of leakage.
Instructed patient If there is a small leak under my skin barrier, is it okay to patch it with tape or paste: Do not try to patch the pouching system with tape or paste. A leak under the skin barrier should not be fixed. Leaving a leaking pouch on can cause skin irritation. Always empty your pouch before it is half-full. Release gas before the pouch gets too full. If you have a lot of gas, you may want to consider using a pouch with a vent or filter.
Instructed patient it is very important to prevent infection, which might require removal of the PICC line. The nurse will show you how to keep your supplies sterile, so no germs will enter the catheter and cause an infection.
Instructed patient Home care nurses will teach you and help you become comfortable with the procedures before you do them yourself. These are the special things that need to be done preventing infection, flushing the PICC line, giving the medicine, solving problems, knowing when and who to call for help.
Instructed patient The arm with the PICC is at risk for developing blood clots (thrombosis). This is a serious complication. To help prevent it: As much as possible, use the arm with the PICC in it for normal daily activities. Lack of movement can lead to blood clots, so it’s important to move your arm as you normally would. Your health care team may suggest light arm exercises.
SN instructed patient / parent to ensure the drain is below the site of insertion but not pulling on the patient. Instructed the patient / parent that there is a risk of dislodgment, requiring increased care when moving. Patient should be aware that moving whilst drain is in situ will cause some pain, but this can be minimised with regular analgesia and the patient should be encouraged to mobilise with supervision when appropriate.
Instructed patient the arm with the PICC is at risk for developing blood clots (thrombosis). This is a serious complication. To help prevent it avoid any activities that cause discomfort in your arm. Talk to your health care team if you have concerns about pain or range of motion.Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds with the affected arm. Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps keep clots from forming.
Instructed patient if you have fever, chills, tenderness, redness, or pus at the catheter site or swollen arm,check your child’s temperature, and all the doctor right away.
Instructed patient watch for signs of problems. Pay attention to how much of the catheter sticks out from your skin. If this changes at all, let your health care provider know. Also watch for cracks, leaks, or other damage. And if the dressing becomes dirty, loose, or wet, change it or call your health care team right away.