guidelines for central venous catheter care at home

The follow these guidelines after the replacement of the CVC

• Do not wet the CVC at any time;
• When bathing or showering, cover the site with a waterproof material, such as household plastic wrap or Tegaderm, over the dressing;
• Do not submerge the CVC below the level of water in a bathtub, hot tub, or swimming pool;
• Never open the CVC dressing when you feel like scratching;
• Never use scissors, pins, or sharp objects near the CVC or other tubing. The catheter could be damaged easily;
• Inspect the bandage for secretion, bleeding, and odor;
• Do not change the bandage at home;
• Do not use the CVC for other purpose than the dialysis treatment;
• Keep the CVC dressing clean and dry;
• Nobody is allowed to clean the CVC except of the dialysis Nurse;
• Wear a mask over your nose and mouth anytime the catheter is opened to prevent bacteria from entering the catheter and your bloodstream. Professionals changing the dressing should wear a mask and gloves as well.

Problem-solving for central venous catheters:

EMERGENCY

• Accidental removal of the CVC from the chest
• Secretion, swelling, odor or bleeding on the dressing
• If the area around your catheter feels sore or looks red, feels pain, chills and fever (temperature 38°C)
• CVC is displaced, CVC is longer, a “cuff” is visible at exit site

RESPONSE

• Apply pressure to the exit site with a clean towel or sterile gauze;
• Lie down with your head slightly raised;
• Call (or have someone call) the Dialysis Department and follow the instructions of the person you get on the phone;
• Continue pressing the insertion opening until you are in the hospital.
• Notify the Dialysis Department;
• Or go to Emergency Room.
• Notify the Dialysis Department;
• Or go to Emergency Room.
• DO not use the CVC. Tape the CVC to your skin and notify the Dialysis Department or go to Emergency Room.