Question

Mr Jones is allocated to you. He had a knee replacement two months ago and had developed an infection. He is on long term antibiotics for this. He has a PICC line inserted in his left arm. What are the special precautions and care you need to do for him during you morning shift?

Answer 1

Nursing intervention :

1. perform hand hygiene it is the most effective way to prevent infection.

2. Use strict aseptic techniques to prevent contaminated and risk of wound infection.

3. Assessment to done to gather appropriate information from patient about demographic information, life style status, past medical condition these information help to select appropriate intervention.

4. Physical examination to be done to assess skin color, temperature, integrity, inflammation it provide information about healing process and signs of infection.

5. Checking vital signs.

• Incase increase blood pressure noted means pain may present at surgical site so elevation of leg to be done.
• If weak pulse noted on surgical site there may be chance of DVT present. To prevent that ambulation to be done.
• Increase temperature has a risk of infection to prevent that follow aseptic technique.

6. Reassess wound appearance and character and recorded in patient chart for comparison of wound improvement.

7. Provide proper wound care. Lack of care cause surgical site infection.

8. Assess patient pain level on numerical pain scale from 1 to 10 and measures to be taken to relief pain by administering analgesic, breathing exercises.

9. Administer antibiotics prescribed to prevent infection. Monitor antibiotics prescribed for any side effects.

10. Assess the PICC line regularly for any inflammation the common complication in PICC is phlebitis. If phlebitis suspect notify health care personal and apply warm, moist compress as prescribed.

11. Encourage fluid intake and protien with roughage diet. Fluid and nutrition balance to support tissue perfusion and nutritional diet for tissue healing.

12. If patient on bed rest side rails to be up all time. Ensure safe environment to promote healing.

13. Educate about self care, medication intake and complication. To improve the health condition and wound healing.