Central venous access device Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is a CVAD?
Medical devices are used to access the central veins, typically for long-term intravenous (IV) therapy. It’s placed in large veins, such as the jugular, subclavian, or femoral vein, to administer treatments like medications, fluids, blood products, or nutrition directly into the bloodstream. CVADs are used when peripheral IV access is difficult or when long-term treatment is required.
What are the indications for performing a CVAD dressing change?
Routine Care: Regular dressing changes to maintain hygiene and prevent infection.
Moisture or Soiling: If the dressing is wet, soiled, or compromised by secretions.
Signs of Infection: Redness, swelling, or drainage at the insertion site.
Dressing Integrity: If the dressing has shifted, become loose, or is no longer secure.
Patient Discomfort: If the patient reports irritation or discomfort due to the dressing.
What assessments should be performed before performing a CVAD dressing change?
Vital Signs: Check heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen saturation to assess the patient’s stability.
Respiratory Assessment: If the CVAD is used for medication or fluid administration, the patient’s respiratory status must be monitored.
Site Inspection: Examine the CVAD insertion site for signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage) or any discomfort reported by the patient.
Review Notes: Check the patient’s medical notes for the last documented dressing change, any changes in condition, or specific instructions regarding CVAD care.
Patient Comfort: Ask the patient if they have any concerns about the CVAD site or dressing, such as pain, irritation, or discomfort.
What relevant skills are needed for performing a CVAD dressing change?
Aseptic Technique: Strict adherence to aseptic technique to prevent contamination and infection during the procedure.
Dressing Removal: Carefully and gently remove the old dressing to avoid damaging the CVAD or causing discomfort to the patient.
Site Cleaning: The area around the CVAD insertion site should be cleaned using antiseptic or sterile saline to remove any secretions or crusts.
Dressing Application: Properly apply a new sterile dressing, ensuring it is secure and adequately covers the insertion site.
Monitoring the Catheter: Ensuring the catheter remains patent, without signs of displacement or kinking.
Patient Communication: Communicating with the patient throughout the procedure, ensuring they are comfortable and informed.
What steps are involved in performing a CVAD dressing change?
Preparation: Wash hands thoroughly, gather necessary sterile supplies (dressing, gloves, antiseptic wipes, sterile saline, scissors, etc.), and ensure patient privacy.
Assess the Patient: Check the patient’s vital signs and ensure they are stable. Examine the CVAD site for signs of infection, discomfort, or drainage.
Remove Old Dressing: Carefully remove the old dressing without disturbing the CVAD. As you do so, inspect the site for signs of infection or irritation.
Clean the Insertion Site: Use antiseptic wipes or sterile saline to clean the skin around the insertion site in a circular motion, starting from the centre and moving outward. Be sure to clean any visible drainage or crusts around the site.
Inspect the CVAD: Examine the catheter for any displacement, signs of infection, or any mechanical issues such as kinking or clamping.
Apply New Dressing: Cover the insertion site with a sterile dressing. Ensure the dressing is secure and adequately covers the area while leaving the catheter secure and accessible.
Secure the Catheter: If necessary, secure the catheter with tape or a securement device to ensure it remains in place and does not become dislodged.
Post-Procedure Care: Recheck the catheter to ensure it is functioning properly and remains patent. Make sure the patient is comfortable and reassured.
Documentation: Record the dressing change, including the condition of the insertion site, any issues or complications, and the patient’s response to the procedure.
What is a CVAD pathology collection
CVAD Pathology Collection refers to obtaining a sample from a patient through a central venous access device (CVAD) for diagnostic testing. This is often done to check for infections, blood cultures, or other clinical markers.
What are the indications for CVAD pathology collection?
Suspected Infection: When there is concern for sepsis or other infections related to the CVAD or bloodstream.
Monitoring Treatment: This is used to assess the effectiveness of treatments such as chemotherapy, antibiotics, or other therapies that require blood tests.
Routine Laboratory Testing: For regular bloodwork such as electrolyte levels, organ function tests, or blood cultures.
Blood Cultures: In cases where there’s a need to detect bacteremia or fungi in the bloodstream, particularly when the patient is already receiving treatments via the CVAD.
What assessments should be performed before CVAD pathology collection?
Vital Signs: Check the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen saturation to assess overall stability.
Site Inspection: Examine the CVAD insertion site for signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge), which could indicate contamination risks.
Review Notes: Check the patient’s medical records for previous blood tests, blood culture results, or concerns related to the CVAD.
Patient Comfort: Assess if the patient is experiencing pain or discomfort related to the CVAD or any other symptoms of infection.
What relevant skills are required for performing CVAD pathology collection?
Aseptic Technique: A strict aseptic technique is essential to prevent contamination of the sample and infection at the CVAD site.
Catheter Patency: Ensure the CVAD is patent (i.e., unobstructed) before attempting to collect a sample.
Sample Collection: Properly attach the correct collection device to the CVAD, ensuring that no air is introduced and that the correct volume of blood or fluid is taken.
Patient Communication: Keep the patient informed about the procedure and reassure them to minimize anxiety.
Documentation: Record the sample collection procedure, including the time, the type of sample, and any observations (e.g., complications or unusual findings).
What are the steps involved in CVAD pathology collection?
Preparation: Wash hands, put on gloves, and gather the necessary supplies (e.g., blood collection tubes, antiseptic wipes, sterile syringes).
Assess the Patient: Check the patient’s vital signs, inspect the CVAD site, and ensure the CVAD is patent.
Clean the Access Port: To minimize the risk of contamination, disinfect the CVAD access port with an antiseptic wipe.
Draw the Sample: Attach a sterile syringe or collection tube to the CVAD and draw the required amount of blood or fluid. If drawing blood cultures, consider the need for multiple samples from different sites.
Secure the Catheter: After collection, ensure the catheter is properly secured and check for any signs of complications (e.g., bleeding or displacement).
Dispose of Materials: Properly dispose of used materials according to infection control guidelines.
Post-Procedure Care: Monitor the patient for any discomfort, complications, or signs of infection at the CVAD site.
Documentation: Document the time of collection, the results of any tests, and any relevant observations.
