Collaborative Intravenous Nursing Service (CINS) Guidelines

Care and Maintenance of a Peripheral Midline Catheter (PM1)45EXIT DRESSING CHANGE (Weekly)ActionEquipment requiredDressing Pack containing sterile towel and GlovesGauze swabs x 3, Surgical tapeChlorhexidine Gluconate 2% in 70% Isopropyl alcohol or Chlorhexidine Gluconate2% in 70% Isopropyl alcohol impregnated applicatorSemi-Permeable transparent IV dressingAlcohol hand rub or gelSkin closure stripsSkin fixation device (e.g. stat-lock)Plastic apron.Care of Exit siteDressing changes should be performed on a weekly basis or when dressing is dirty orloose. Before the procedure begins make sure that your hands are washed and driedthoroughly and that they continue to be decontaminated during the procedure. A plasticapron should be worn. Maintain aseptic technique at all times. Inspect the catheter exit site for signs of skin discolouration or signs of infection e.g.exudates from exit site. If you suspect infection please contact the hospital team whoplaced the catheter for advice. Refer to trouble-shooting guide.• Explain the procedure to the patient. Ensure that valid consent is gained.• Ensure working area is as clean as possible.• Ensure all equipment is gathered before commencing the procedure and all packagingis intact and in date.RationaleTo prevent infectionExit site dressings are important inpreventing trauma and the extrinsiccontamination of the site of entry(Jones 2004).To prevent/reduce patient anxietyMaintain safety and reassure patient.To prevent infection and cathetercontamination.• Open sterile pack, allowing inner pack to fall onto the clean working area. To allow for a sterile environment forThe CINs group hereby assert their moral rights tothe works herein in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1988.Policy review date 01/10/10