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Preventing IV-related Infections
Preventing IV-related Infections"Anytime you have any type of device such as an IV inserted, our goal is to make sure that nomicroorganisms are able to get past the outside of your skin and into your bloodstream."To better understand how to prevent these healthcare-associated infections, it's important to know a little moreabout how we use IVs. IV is short for "intravenous" and refers to any tube or catheter that is inserted into a veinto deliver fluid, nutrients and medicine into your body."So unfortunately, sometimes catheters or tubes that are in the vein can cause IV related infections andthese infections can lead to things like sepsis or blood poisoning.""Many times patients ask about the difference between a peripheral IV and something that's more of acentral IV. Peripheral IVs are those that we commonly insert into places like the hand or the forearm.And other times we need to insert catheters into the more central system which is actually designed togo directly into the heart."There are a few key symptoms you should watch for that may be a sign of infection."IV infections can start off as something very simple such as localized redness, sometimes swelling, orpain, or heat to the site.""So if you have an IV and all of a sudden you think, 'That isn't comfortable. I used to not feel that' or 'Ididn't notice it yesterday.' This is something that you would need to contact your nurse aboutimmediately and have them check."Your healthcare team will take several steps to make sure they care for your IV to help prevent infection."The most important thing that your health care team can do to reduce your risk for infection is to washtheir hands. Hand hygiene can be accomplished by two basic things, either using the alcohol based rubor it can be accomplished by soap and water. Another thing that we may do is actually stop betweenthe procedure and actually wash our hands again.""So one of the most important things beyond hand hygiene that we can do to reduce your risk forinfections with IV related catheters is to actually prep or clean the skin. This can be done with basicthings like isopropyl alcohol or newer solutions like chlorhexidine gluconate, which is recommended. toreduce your risk for infection."As a patient, there are several things you can do to prevent an IV-related infection."Number one, make sure that any one that touches that IV site or that tubing does so with clean hands.Keep your hands clean. Your family, make sure that their hands are clean also. Any health care workerthat comes in, their hands should be clean.""Number two, make sure that you are looking at that site. That site should always be covered so thatsticky dressing or that gauze or that tape should stay intact. It should stay covered."The third thing you can do to help prevent infection, is ask if the catheter is still needed.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCQC1006898 EN PreventingIVRelatedInfections.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 2Preventing IV-related Infections"One of the most important things that we can do to reduce your risk for infection is to remove itpromptly when it's no longer necessary to care for you.""So when you notice something or you have a question, please don't hold back. We're here to take careof you. So let us do that with you."This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCQC1006898 EN PreventingIVRelatedInfections.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 2 of 2
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