Bard PowerMidline - Dressing Changes; Flushing; Occluded or Partially Occluded Catheter; When Cleaning the Exit Site

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chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) in some patients. Be aware of the potential symptoms
or signs of these reactions and take precautionary steps as dictated by institution proto-
col for their prevention or treatment.
Caution: If CHG allergy is suspected, conrmatory testing is recommended
4
,
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A. Dressing Changes
1. Assess the dressing in the rst 24 hours for accumulation of blood, uid or mois-
ture beneath the dressing. During all dressing changes, assess the external length
of the catheter to determine if migration of the catheter has occurred. Periodically
conrm catheter placement, tip location, patency and security of dressing.
Caution: Do not use scissors to remove dressing to minimize the risk of cutting
catheter.
Caution: Accessories and components used in conjunction with this device should
incorporate luer lock connections. Do not overtighten the luer connector.
B. Flushing
1. Flush each lumen of the catheter with 10 mL of sterile saline every 12 hours or
after each use. In addition, lock each lumen of the catheter with sterile saline.
Note: Flush with 20 mL of sterile saline after blood therapy.
Caution: DO NOT USE A SYRINGE SMALLER THAN 10 mL TO FLUSH AND
CONFIRM PATENCY. Patency should be assessed with a 10 mL or larger
syringe with sterile saline. Upon conrmation of patency, administration of
medication should be given in a syringe appropriately sized for the dose. Do
not infuse against resistance.
WARNING: If signs of extravasation exist, discontinue injections. Begin appro-
priate medical intervention immediately.
C. Occluded or Partially Occluded Catheter
• Catheters that present resistance to ushing and aspiration may be partially or
completely occluded. Do not ush against resistance. If the lumen will neither ush
nor aspirate and it has been determined that the catheter is occluded with blood, a
de-clotting procedure per institution protocol may be appropriate.
D. When Cleaning the Exit Site
• Maintain according to hospital protocol.
• Use chlorhexidine gluconate or povidone iodine to clean the exit site around the
catheter.
• Allow all cleaning agents / antiseptics to dry completely before applying dressing.
WARNING: Acetone-based solutions and polyethylene glycol containing ointments
should not be used with polyurethane catheters, as these may cause failure of the
device.
16. Catheter Removal
A. Remove dressing, and StatLock
®
Stabilization Device or tape securement strips.
B. Grasp catheter near insertion site.
C. Remove slowly. Do not use excessive force.