Wilson & Hockenberry: Wong’s Clinical Manual of Pediatric Nursing, 8th Edition

Patient Teaching Guide

This section may be photocopied and distributed to families.

Source: Wilson D, Hockenberry MJ: Evolve resources for Wong’s clinical manual of pediatric nursing, ed 8. Copyright © 2012, Mosby, St Louis.

Caring for an Intermittent Infusion Device

A small tube (catheter) was placed in the child for the administration of intravenous (IV) drugs at home. This tube is known as an intermittent infusion device. Look at the spot where the tube enters the skin several times each day. Notify your health professional at (phone number) if you observe any of the following signs around the device:

• Redness

• Swelling or puffiness

• Leaking or drainage

• Red streak along the skin near the device

• Excessive pain around the entry spot (a small amount of discomfort is not unusual in small children [toddlers and preschoolers])

A clear adhesive or tape dressing is usually placed over the device to protect it. The child may wash around it with his or her fingers but should not get the dressing or any exposed part of the tube wet. During a bath or shower, cover the tube and dressing with plastic wrap, such as Saran Wrap, or a plastic bag to keep the area dry. The device may need to be changed by your health professional, especially if any problems develop.

These instructions describe the use of needleless devices on the syringe and medicine bottle (also called a vial). The type of needleless device you use may differ from the type described here, but the same basic methods are used for all of them. Be sure to ask your health professional to show you how your device works. Information for using a needle on the syringe is also given, but be very careful to avoid sticking yourself or someone else with the needle.

Flushing

The inside of the catheter must be rinsed (flushed) with a solution, usually heparin (a special drug called an anticoagulant) or saline (a special sterile salt water solution) to prevent any blood clots from forming, which can clog the tube. The small amount of solution that you are using will rinse the entire length of the tube. The tube must be flushed according to the health professional OR ________ time(s) each day and after any drug or fluid is given through the tube.

Equipment

Needleless cannula and syringe, or needle and syringe

Antiseptic swabs

Bottle of flush solution at room temperature

Needleless adapter for the bottle

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Related

Related posts:

1. Wilson & Hockenberry: Wong’s Clinical Manual of Pediatric Nursing, 8th Edition: Patient Teaching Guide
2. Wilson & Hockenberry: Wong’s Clinical Manual of Pediatric Nursing, 8th Edition: Patient Teaching Guide
3. Reference Data
4. Pain Assessment and Management

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