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Recovery
Step-by-Step: Caring for your IV Catheter at Home
Step-by-Step: Caring for your IV Catheter at HomeCaring for your IV catheter at home.Always clean your hands thoroughly before and after contact with any part of your IV catheter or dressing.Dry your hands with a clean paper towel. Use the paper towel to turn off the faucet.Don’t touch any part of the catheter or dressing unless you need to.Don’t use any sharp or pointy objects around the catheter.Keep the catheter and dressing dry.Don’t lower your chest below your waist.Avoid activities that might bump your hand or arm. Avoid activities and exercises that require major use ofyour arm. Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 lbs.Your provider may recommend warm compresses or cold packs to relieve moderate bruising or swelling.Stay hydrated.Call your healthcare provider if you vomit or have severe coughing that might cause your catheter to slip outof place.Watch for signs of infection. Call your healthcare provider if you have a fever, increasing redness, or swellingaround the IV catheter.Page 1 ofThis 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.© The Wellness Network
General Surgery Center
Learn how to properly change your surgical dressings in order to prevent infection and keep your surgical drain healthy.
Watch the steps for changing your urinary catheter bag.
Here are the steps for flushing your IV line.
Watch this to learn how to change your tracheostomy.
