Follow these tips to protect your patient from infection, catheter dislodgment, and trauma.

DON'T

Don't apply iodophor before alcohol.

Don't wipe off the iodophor.

Don't defat the skin with acetone or an alcoholacetone solution. The clinical value of this practice is questionable and these substances may dry the catheter, inflame the insertion site, or cause discomfort.

DO

Wash your hands.

Explain the procedure to your patient. Position him so his head faces away from the site and the skin surrounding the site is taut.

Put on a mask and clean gloves.

Remove the dressing, being careful not to dislodge or contaminate the catheter. Invert your glove over the dressing and dispose of the gloves and dressing in an appropriate container. If you note dried blood or secretions at the site, put on sterile gloves and use sterile 0.9%o sodium chloride solution and sterile 4x4s to remove them. Clean under the catheter if possible. Dispose of the gloves and 4x4s in an appropriate container.

Assess the catheter insertion site for signs of infection and note the length of the external portion of the catheter. Make sure the sutures are intact.

Put on sterile gloves. Using 70% isopropyl alcohol, clean the insertion site, moving outwardly in a circular motion beyond the dressing area. Repeat with a second swab. Use a third swab to clean the catheter, wiping away from the insertion site.

Allow the area to dry, then repeat the procedure with iodophor. (If your patient is allergic to it, use an alternative according to your facility's policy.) Allow it to air dry thoroughly-for at least 2 minutes.