HHC Health & Home Care Clinical Policy And

HHC HEALTH & HOME CARE Section: 9-26
Infusion Therapy: Epidural Catheter, Site Care and Dressing Change __RN
PROCEDURE:
1. Adhere to Universal Precautions.
2. Explain the procedure and purpose to the patient/caregiver.
3. Wash hands and Assemble the equipment on a clean
surface, close to the patient.
4. Place patient in comfortable position, making sure that site
is accessible.
5. Ensure adequate lighting.
6. Don sterile gloves and mask.
7. Apply connecting device or needleless adaptor and 0.2
micron filter to cassette tubing.
8. Connect cassette to infusion device (pump) according to
manufacturer's instructions.
9. Check program on infusion device (pump) against
prescribed order.
10. Open all tubing clamps.
11. Prime cassette tubing, filter and needle with solution.
12. Follow steps 1-12 No. 9.33A, if site not previously accessed.
13. Clean injection port with antimicrobial applicator. Allow to
air dry. DO NOT BLOT. ALCOHOL IS
CONTRAINDICATED, DO NOT USE.
14. Insert needle and connection device or needleless adaptor
into injection port. Leur-lok connections are the
recommended type.
15. Start infusion.
16. Discard soiled supplies in appropriate containers.
AFTER CARE:
1. Document in patient's record:
a. Medication administered, dosage, time, rate, and
method (i.e., bolus or continuous infusion).
b. Aspiration, if done, and results.
c. Appearance of epidural catheter site.
d. Patient's response to procedure, side effects and
management.
e. Instructions given to patient/caregiver.
g. Communication with physician.
206