Are there contraindications to checking intraspinal catheter placement via aspiration – in the home environment? I am new to a large home care agency that sees a few intraspinal catheters each year. The current intraspinal policy does not call for aspiration to check placement prior to bag change in the home.
Agency leadership explained “this isn’t done in homecare” and that many large homecare agencies (throughout the country) do not have nurses aspirate to check placement of intraspinal catheters in the home. I’m not sure of the rationale for this.
Thank you for the input. I would appreciate responses, if possible, from those who practice in a home care setting.
See INS Standards of Practice on Intraspinal Access Devices which states to aspirate for absence of blood. This document sets the standard for all settings and all nurses. Home care is no different.
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