Procedure

Rationale 

1.       Inform patient about the procedure.

To relieve anxiety, gain cooperation and commence patient learning process. 

2.       Prepare the equipment and clean a work area.  Wash hands.

To avoid interrupting the procedure.  In accordance with Infection Control Guidelines.

3.       Open dressing pack and spray some CX1 spray onto pieces of gauze. 

To maintain asepsis.

4.       Remove the old dressing and discard.  Avoid tugging on the catheter or the use of scissors. 

To prevent dislodgement or damage to the catheter.

5.       Inspect the exit site for any redness, swelling or exudate.  Take a swab for microbiological culture if required. 

To monitor for infection.

6.       Wash hands and apply sterile gloves.  Using sterile gauze and chlorhexidine solution, clean around the exit site in a circular motion. 

To remove any exudate present.

7.       Repeat the procedure. 

8.       Repeat with dry gauze. 

9.       Alternatively, if using chlorhexidine spray, omit steps 6,7  and 8, spray the exit site with the spray, clean any exudate away with gauze.  Respray and leave to dry for 2 minutes. 

10.   Apply sterile semi permeable dressing to the exit site. 

Dressing is permeable to moisture.

11.   Loop the catheter tubing and tape securely to the patients skin. 

To prevent accidental pulling and dislogdement of the catheter.