Caring for Your Central Vein Access
Problems such as infection may make the access unusable. Then the catheter will have to be removed and a new one placed in another vein. Your nurse will show you how to care for your access to help it last.
Follow these tips:
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Wash your hands often.
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Try not to touch the catheter.
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Don't let anything (such as clothing) rub or pull on the catheter.
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Don't get your catheter wet.
Watching for Problems
Call your doctor or nurse right away if you have any of these problems:
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The skin around your access bleeds or oozes or becomes red or tender.
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You develop a fever over 101.0°F.
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The sutures become loose or the catheter falls out.
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Either arm becomes swollen.
Remember. . .
A central vein access is often used only for a short time. Take good care of your access.
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Important Numbers
Doctor:
Name _______________________________ Phone _______________________________
Nurse:
Name _______________________________ Phone _______________________________
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Date Last Reviewed:
1/2/2005
Date Last Modified:
1/2/2005