Question

The nurse is caring for a patient who has a temporary percutaneous dialysis catheter in

place. In caring for this patient, the nurse should
a. apply a sterile gauze dressing to maintain sterility.
b. replace the transparent dressing every 10 days to prevent manipulation.
c. assess the catheter site for redness and/or swelling.
d. use the catheter for drawing blood samples to reduce patient discomfort.

Answer 1

The nurse should assess the catheter site for redness and/or swelling to prevent infection and ensure patient safety. It is important to maintain sterility and not use the catheter for drawing blood unless designed for that purpose.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should assess the catheter site for redness and/or swelling when caring for a patient with a temporary percutaneous dialysis catheter. This assessment is crucial for early detection of possible infection and ensuring the patient's safety and well-being. Catheter sites can be common sources of infection, and vigilant monitoring is necessary to prevent serious complications.

Changing dressings, whether sterile gauze or transparent, is important to maintain sterility and should be performed as per the facility’s protocol and manufacturer instructions. However, drawing blood through the dialysis catheter is generally discouraged unless specifically designed for such use, as it can increase the risk of infection and catheter dysfunction.

In summary, proper care and assessment of the catheter site, along with following an established protocol for dressing changes, are critical components of patient care in this situation.