Caring for Your Central Vein Access
It is important to care for your central venous access device properly. If you do not, it may become infected cannot be used. The catheter will have to be removed and a new one placed in another vein. Your nurse will show you how to care for your access to help it last.
Follow these tips
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Try not to touch the catheter.
- Do not let anything (such as clothing) rub or pull on the catheter.
- Do not get your catheter wet.
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When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these problems:
- You see a break in the tubing.
- The skin around your access bleeds, oozes, or becomes red or sore.
- You have a fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher.
- The stitches (sutures) become loose or the catheter falls out.
- If a StatLock device is used, check to see if it’s adhered to the skin around the entire border.
- An arm becomes swollen.
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Remember. . .
A central vein access is often used only for a short time. Take good care of it.
© 2000-2019 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. This information has been modified by your health care provider with permission from the publisher.