Saline Locks & Showers

Specialties Med-Surg

Published

I know this is a very basic question...but I need to know. :)

Why is it so important to cover saline locks (ie with saran wrap, etc) when a patient is going to shower? My guess is that otherwise, the water can loosen the adhesive and the IV can slip out, but is that correct?

Thanks guys!

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Yes, you want to protect the IV site. Usually, we just wrap it with a cut ziplock or bio bag and tape it up. Having to replace the site after each shower would be unpleasant for the patient.

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Site is at more risk for infection when site becomes moist/wet. Infection, loosen adhesive, protection of site are reasons to cover saline lock site.

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Tegaderm doesn't stick to wet skin (ever have a diaphoretic patient?! those things fall right off) and if that comes off, out comes the IV.

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Site is at more risk for infection when site becomes moist/wet. Infection, loosen adhesive, protection of site are reasons to cover saline lock site.

This. OP, think about the conditions that would perpetuate the growth of bacteria...

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