ASHsplit cath care in LTC dialysis pt.

[ktwlpn]

Hi all.....What is your protocol with your dialysis patients residing in LTC as far as caring for their access caths? I have a resident with an ASHsplit catheter-I can't find any info to print to take to my unit that includes specific recommendations for it's care in the LTC....It's my understanding that we do NOT need to flush it between dialysis treatments-and they are changing the dressing....I will be calling the dialysis unit myself my next shift...but what does everyone else do? I don't have the best working relationship with this clinic-we never got any info from them regarding care of this resident and nothing to tell me what kind of info they need from me but they call me frequently .....and ask the same questions over and over...Or they pin a note to the residents shirt (he is A and O-where is his dignity?) They are pizzy because there is no advance directive-I get calls from different staff members a few times a week-and they have all of the contact info and their social service has spoken with mine and they can surely contact that family themselves---I can't MAKE them write a directive...argh....I just wish I had more info-other then what I have found on my own here and at other sites....

[ktwlpn, LPN]

[quote=jnette the clinic NM should be listening and getting with the patient's nephrologist and social worker on this !

Hope I have helped a little, ktwlpn...You have helped lots...It's an 18 chair unit and after the first week or so everyone I have come in contact with has been wonderful....This fella is going through a rough time-from being totally independent and chauffering (spell check) his wife around to being bedridden in LTC in less then 5 months...

I will encourage his family to contact the dialysis unit---thanks again....