permacath care

Fergie · Jul 5, 2004

I have seen many things done so the patient can shower, saran wrap, you name it.

The most original was a pt who used a colostomy stoma wafer and bags so he could shower and enjoy the hot tub. Had the permcath long term and never had any adverse reactions. I did not think money was a problem for him and then one day he told me that his insurance was covering the cost. Still scratching my head on that one.

I have seen many pts that have showered, washed the area and then put a bandaide over it without problems.

Some pts have problems with the sites no matter what one does. Maybe and infection control nurse would shed some light on this.

kay · Jul 5, 2004

Saran wrap is probably a good idea. :rolleyes:

We cut one of the clean plastic bags used to dispose of dirty dressings and apply it over the site, we then apply opsite roll all around to ensure a "waterproof" covering.The important thing is that it is "waterproof".

kay · Jul 5, 2004

...maybe i should have added that the reason for keeping the dressing over the permacath dry is that if the dressing needs to be changed, it should be changed only under strict aseptic technique because of the seriousness of any potential infection through these sites

fergie:quote

i have seen many pts that have showered, washed the area and then put a bandaide over it without problems.

some pts have problems with the sites no matter what one does. maybe and infection control nurse would shed some light on this.

Fergie · Jul 5, 2004

...maybe i should have added that the reason for keeping the dressing over the permacath dry is that if the dressing needs to be changed, it should be changed only under strict aseptic technique because of the seriousness of any potential infection through these sites
fergie:quote
i have seen many pts that have showered, washed the area and then put a bandaide over it without problems.
some pts have problems with the sites no matter what one does. maybe and infection control nurse would shed some light on this.

i definitly agree with the strict aseptic technique. i have jsut seen so many other things done. i would not teach any thing but not to touch it and keep it dry and intact. how do we deal with people who use ther lines for recreational drugs? one man had a dog that chewed on it and pulled it out. i have just seen so many things done to central lines and wonder how people live through it.

kay · Jul 5, 2004

one man had a dog that chewed on it and pulled it out. i have just seen so many things done to central lines and wonder how people live through it

omg :uhoh3: - can you imagine a dog chewing on it !!!!

holey schmoley!

angieskidney · Sep 23, 2006

omg - can you imagine a dog chewing on it !!!!
holey schmoley!

i have a cat who liked to chew on tubes

anyway ...

hmm.. first post didn't work

anyway, i am not a nurse but am a patient but i hope that is okay because i wanted to suggest tegaderm dressings! works great in showers while keeping the catheter dry! i have used them since 1990!

i hope this helps!