Instructed patient how prevent infections: rub your hands together vigorously for at least 15 seconds. Make sure to rub the front and back of each hand up to the wrist, your fingers and fingernails, between the fingers, and each thumb. Rinse your hands with warm water. Dry your hands completely with a new, unused paper towel. Don’t use a cloth towel or other reusable towel. These can harbor germs.
Instructed patient When to seek medical care: Call your provider right away if you have any of the following: Pain or burning in your shoulder, chest, back, arm, or leg, Fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher, chills, signs of infection at the catheter site (pain, redness, drainage, burning, or stinging), Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
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 healthcare provider know. Also watch for cracks, leaks, or other damage. And if the dressing becomes dirty, loose, or wet, change it (if you have been instructed to) or call your healthcare team right away.
Instructed patient avoid damage. Don’t use any sharp or pointy objects around the catheter. This includes scissors, pins, knives, razors, or anything else that could puncture or cut it. Also, don’t let anything pull or rub on the catheter, such as clothing
Instructed patient when showering, cover the area with plastic wrap or another cover as recommended by your healthcare provider. And keep the area out of the water spray. If the dressing does get wet, change it only if you have been shown how. Otherwise, call your healthcare team right away for help.