Indications:
- To feed your child, an intravenous catheter is placed in a deep vein.
- The steps in the method below may serve as a guide; speak to your healthcare team about the specific equipment that your child uses.
Considerations:
- The catheter entry site should not change in appearance and the dressing should be kept clean and dry at all times.
- Good handwashing is essential before and after providing care.
- Optimize your child’s comfort during care with appropriate positioning and the use of distraction.
Frequency:
- Monitoring of the catheter site and dressing should be done:
- before, during (at least twice) and after each administration of parenteral nutrition solution,
- at least once a day if the catheter is not used.
- The length of the external part of the catheter must also be checked at least once a day.
- Your healthcare team will advise you of the procedures for changing the dressing at the catheter entry site.
Required materials:
Refer to your healthcare team if the material used or the sequence of steps taught is different from what is described in the care method.
Step 1: Anticipation
See the full description here
Summary:
Collaborate and form a team with your child. When you invest the time to form a strong team, children feel more comfortable and less anxious – this will help you complete the care with less stress – for you and your child.
Use these tips, from the start, to set the stage for a positive care procedure:
- Create the right moment: integrate the care in a routine.
- Alert your child to the needed care and communicate together.
- Form a team with your child: Encourage autonomy by offering realistic choices such as the method of distraction. Stay tuned to your child. Manage pain and anxiety, using distraction and positioning for comfort.