Problem
Mr. John Baker is a 68-year-old retired pharmacist who has just returned from surgery following placement of a tunneled CVAD with a Groshong valve. He will be started on a long-term intermittent chemotherapy regimen for acute lymphocytic leukemia. His wife is a retired RN who worked in the operating room for many years.
A. Identify at least three advantages for inserting the tunneled catheter for his treatment.
B. His wife is very concerned about the initial care of the catheter. What explanation will you give her?
C. After the explanation regarding the care of the catheter, Mrs. Baker asks you how they can prevent an infection of the catheter.
D. The client needs to be instructed on how to flush the catheter. What are the most important directions you should provide to him?
E. Mrs. Baker asks you to describe what symptoms require reporting to the physician. What is your best response to this question?