Final answer:
Irrigating an indwelling catheter involves using sterile solutions and aseptic techniques to clear blockages. Proper maintenance and infection control are critical to patient safety. Healthcare professionals follow specific protocols to ensure effective irrigation and minimize infection risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
An indwelling catheter is a tube that is inserted into a vein or body cavity to administer medication, fluids, or to drain urine. The process of irrigation is used to clear any blockages and to ensure that the catheter functions properly. Catheter-related bloodstream infections are a significant concern, and proper maintenance of the catheter is necessary to prevent these infections. To irrigate a venous catheter, a sterile solution is used. The healthcare professional will use an aseptic technique to avoid introducing any bacteria into the catheter. This typically involves cleaning the catheter hub with an antiseptic solution, using a syringe to inject the sterile solution into the catheter, and then withdrawing the solution along with any debris or blood clots that may be present. The professional must follow specific protocols to minimize the risk of infection. For example, a patient like Barbara, with discomfort at the catheter site, should receive prompt attention to manage any potential infections and blockages. Barbara's treatment included a topical antiseptic and a fresh dressing, along with a prescribed antibiotic, to tackle the localized infection. Such careful monitoring and management of indwelling catheters are important, as bloodstream infections can lead to serious complications and even death.