We are reviewing our practices and wondering what other facilities are using for stabilization of the port access needle and tubing. Do you use a transparent dressing, a specialized transparent dressing, steri-strips and a transparent dressing, or something else? Do you use something other than tape for securing the tubing?
Thanks for your assistance.
All very good questions. I have been the expert in several legal cases involving serious injuries from extravasation due to the port access needle becoming dislodged. Eager to know what others are doing. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
I open strile steri -strips and drop them in my sterile field. Then once accessed, I place one steri- strip on each side of the Huber needle and one accross the center to secure it, then cover with clear dressing:) Seems to work real well. Valorie
Valorie Dunn,BSN, RN, CRNI, PLNC
When this method is used, how long does the port access needle remain in place? What activities are patient's doing while it is in? Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
I have one on TPN and her needle is changed every 7 days. She does everything from cooking to cleaning, shopping, usual daily tasks. Another who is accessed for 3 days at a time has children that she does multiple activities with. She had another agency 2 years ago and had her port needle become dislodged during her 5FU infusion. That is why I started using this technique. The rest of my ports are either in hospice care on PCAs or are only accessed long enough to infuse then deaccessed. I do not use this method on the ones who are only accessed long enough to infuse because they are getting nonvesicant drugs and I am with them through the infusion. Valorie
Valorie Dunn,BSN, RN, CRNI, PLNC
Wow, I am actually surprised that this taping method wil hold the needle in place for long periods and lots of activity. Guess I have seen too many legal cases with severe extravasation from this problem. Thanks for the info. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861