Care of indwelling devices

• What is the primary learning objective of the 'Care of indwelling devices' workbook?

  To understand the importance of catheter care
• Why is it important to manage and care for indwelling devices?

  To prevent healthcare associated infections
• What are some types of indwelling devices mentioned in the workbook?

  Urinary catheters, vascular access devices, and endotracheal tubes
• What are the implications of incorrect maintenance of indwelling devices?

  Increased patient morbidity and mortality
• What is a urinary catheter?

  A tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine
• What technique should be used when inserting a urinary catheter?

  ANTT (Aseptic Non-Touch Technique)
• What is a suprapubic catheter?

  A catheter inserted via the abdominal wall
• What are some reasons for using a urinary catheter?

  To drain the bladder and support anastomosis
• What is the primary importance of safe catheter care?

  To prevent infections associated with indwelling devices
• What should be done if an infection is suspected at the entry site of a urinary catheter?

  A swab should be taken to identify microorganisms
• How should a urinary drainage bag be positioned?

  Below the level of the bladder
• What is the VIP score?

  A tool for monitoring infusion sites of peripheral intravenous catheters
• What is infusion phlebitis?

  An acute inflammation of a vein due to intravenous therapy
• What are the signs of phlebitis?

  Pain, tenderness, redness, and bulging of the vein
• When should the cannula site be observed for signs of phlebitis?

  When bolus injections are administered or IV flow rates are checked
• What are the good practice points to reduce the incidence of infusion phlebitis?

  • Observe the cannula site at least daily
  • Secure cannula with a proven IV dressing
  • Replace loose, contaminated dressings
  • Insert cannula away from joints
  • Follow aseptic technique
  • Document continuing care
• What should be done if the IV cannula site becomes infected?

  The IV cannula should be removed immediately
• What is the purpose of endotracheal tubes?

  To establish and maintain a patent airway
• What is the function of enteral feeding tubes?

  To administer food directly into the stomach
• What are standard infection control precautions for indwelling devices?

  Hand hygiene, PPE use, and safe disposal of sharps
• What are the principles of asepsis in healthcare?

  • Maintain a sterile environment
  • Use sterile instruments
  • Practice hand hygiene
  • Minimize contamination risks
• Why is it important to assess the visual infusion phlebitis score of a cannula?

  To determine when a peripheral intravenous catheter should be removed
• What should be done if the dressing on an IV site becomes damp or loosened?

  It should be removed and changed immediately
• What type of dressing should be used for IV sites?

  A sterile, occlusive, and semi-permeable polyurethane dressing
• What is the role of local trust policies in cannula care?

  They provide guidance on cannula care and removal