Hello
What is your recommendation for a partially exposed IVAD due to skin erosion? The catheter itself function very well. Physician doesn't think it should be replaced - just wait until the skin healed again prior to using it again. Nursing is not comfortable with that idea.
Thank you
Deedee
This needs to be corrected. If this site can be closed and allowed to heal, depends on patient status, nutritionally, metabolically, etc. Or surgical correction or removal and reinsertion. Then this is an adverse event that should not happen, so this needs to be assessed - why did it happen? Take this up the hierachy in your hosptial, to medical QI and risk management.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
If we are able to heal the skin, does the port itself must be removed or can be used if it is functional? I am concern about risk of infection. Thank you for your advice always.
Deedee
That is a judgement call based on how much the incision was opened, where the incision is located in relation to the port body, etc. Most of the time, they are removed.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
Thank you again for your expert advice.
Deedee