Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Use Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) provides constant low-flow pressure into the airways to help hold the airway open, mobilize secretions, treat atelectasis and, generally, ease…
Continuous Passive Motion Device Use A continuous passive motion (CPM) device is frequently used after joint surgery—particularly after total knee arthroplasty. The device increases range of motion in the joint…
Continuous Bladder Irrigation Continuous bladder irrigation can help prevent urinary tract obstruction by flushing out small blood clots that form after prostate or bladder surgery. It may also be used…
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) requires insertion of a permanent peritoneal catheter (such as a Tenckhoff catheter) to circulate dialysate in the peritoneal cavity constantly. Inserted…
Continent Ileostomy Care An alternative to conventional ileostomy, a continent, or pouch, ileostomy (also called a Koch ileostomy or an ileal pouch) features an internal reservoir fashioned from the terminal…
Contact Precautions Contact precautions are used to prevent the spread of microorganisms that are spread by direct or indirect contact with the patient or the patient’s environment. (See Conditions requiring…
Contact Lens Care Illness or emergency treatment may require that you insert or remove and store a patient’s contact lenses. Proper handling and lens care techniques help prevent eye injury…
Colostomy and Ileostomy Care A patient with an ascending, transverse, or descending colostomy or an ileostomy must wear an external pouch to collect emerging fecal matter, which may be watery,…
Colostomy Irrigation Irrigation of a colostomy can serve two purposes: It allows a patient with a descending or sigmoid colostomy to regulate bowel function, and it cleans the large bowel…
Cold Application The application of cold constricts blood vessels; inhibits local circulation, suppuration, and tissue metabolism; relieves vascular congestion; slows bacterial activity in infections; reduces body temperature; and may act…
