Fergie

Was there a written (signed by the Dr.) no-code? In our chronic settings we have a crash cart and I always laugh at it. D50 and oxygen tubing for the most part. We do what ever we can before EMS arrives.Standing orders and policy and procedure are followed. So many questions, was the pt reclined and fluid back, was it a dialyser reaction, no -code pt? Endotoxins drawn on the machine? I am so sorry you had this experinice. Dialysis pts go out so quickly and a quick assessment is needed. Sounds like the clinic could use you skills. Document everything while it is fresh in your memory in case it ever comes back and slaps you in the face.

As a dialysis nurse we stay with the patinet, if a stable run then we can read or do a quiet activity as long as we are beside them and monitoring them. Does not happen to often they are stable enough to do that.

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.

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.

During dialysis a lady resp. arrested so we coded her and she came back around quickly. She said, Why are all these people in here with us. I asked for a private room. The next thing she asked was why that washing machine was in her room (dialysis machine). Maybe the code cart was the dryer? She was transferred to ICU and ended up intubated. That darn washing machine went with her. The same lady a few weeks later thought she heard a noise as the blood pressure cuff started to take a pressure. She looked over, screamed as she saw the black tubing and with the motion of the cuff thought it was a mouse. When she screamed I did also as I was deep into a book and someone called a code. What an embarrasing day. Phantom mouse and nurse reading horror story gets everyone into a room. Severe TIA's all the time, just the other day I was running her in another hospital and she kept asking me who that man was above me. I was sitting in the corner. Gave me goosebumps.

I have always understood that it was dark colored pop, the colas that were the worst due to the higher k and phosphorus as stated in the earlier post. Renal diet and usually combined with a diabetic diet does not give the patient alot of choices. Fluid restrictions are so tough.

I have always understood that it was dark colored pop, the colas that were the worst due to the higher k and phosphorus as stated in the earlier post. Renal diet and usually combined with a diabetic diet does not give the patient alot of choices. Fluid restrictions are so tough.

The shots do not hurt. The disease hurts. Just think of the days of rabies shots in the belly. Use your over the counter meds like benadryl and tynelol for the discomfort, if there is any. Be certain to ask about the shot for chicken pox if you have not had the disease,or get a titer, you will do fine.

Look into the series of shots through the public health office where you live. (look under county offices). It is the best kept secret around. You may have to pay a nominal amount but nothing like what you were quoting. Good luck.

:) You will both do fine. Just use your common sense and you knowledge base. Take a deep breath before you start. I know you can do it!!!! Let us all know.

Just in the last year in Fremont, Ne an oncology clinic was using the same syringes. The Dr. left the United States and has charges pending. I understand the RN has lost her liscense. Many outbreaks of hepatitis and some deaths directly related to this. Why risk using the same syringe all day? If it was your loved one how would you feel about the syringe not being changed? We as nurses have the control and have a responsibility to make certain we are doing all we can as humans and professionals to prevent and spread of pathogens.