|
Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant: A Guide for Families
Things That Can Go Wrong With The Central Venous Catheter
Geri Quinn, RN, MSN and Janine Petitgout, RN, MA
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed
(Report any of these changes to the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant
Unit immediately [(319) 356-0505].
- Clotting: If you notice an increased resistance to flushing, do not
force the flush. Too much pressure can rupture the catheter or force a clot
into the blood stream.
- Blood Back-Up: If you notice blood backing up into the catheter,
or leaking at the connection between the cap and the catheter, flush the catheter
and use a new sterile cap. Be sure that the new cap fits securely. Flush the
catheter only once. If blood continues to back-up or if leaking at the cap/catheter
connection continues, clamp the catheter.
- Broken Catheter: Small tears may occur anywhere along the catheter.
If you see fluid forming on the catheter in a small bead of water, flush the
catheter and clamp the catheter close to the leak (between the leak and the
child).
- Thrombosis of Vein: If the neck becomes swollen and tender on the
same side as the catheter, or if the child notices pain in the neck during
the daily flush, slowly complete the flush.
- Air Embolism: This occurs if air passes from the catheter into the
vein. This may result if the cap falls off, or if the catheter is not clamped
before removing the cap. If this occurs, the child will experience shortness
of breath, dizziness, coughing and chest pain. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY! DO NOT
flush with heparin. Have the child lie on his left side with his head lower
and feet elevated if possible.
- Site Infection: The exit site may become infected resulting in redness,
swelling, tenderness or drainage around the catheter exit site. If you notice
increasing redness, swelling, or drainage at the catheter exit site, notify
the nursing staff or physician. You can help to prevent this from happening
by keeping the dressing in place at all times and using clean technique during
the dressing changes.
- Blood Infection: Your child may experience chills, fever, tiredness,
and irritability if bacteria gets into the blood stream through the catheter.
If your child begins to feel warm and you suspect he/she has a fever, take
your child's temperature and if it is over 38°C (100°F), call your
physician.
Title
Page
|
|
|
