Caring for Your PD Catheter and Exit Site
Your healthcare provider will teach you how to care for your catheter and exit site. Good care is important to prevent infection. If an infection occurs, the catheter may have to be removed and a new one inserted at a later date.
During Healing
Your skin will heal in a week or two. During this time, follow your doctor's instructions. don't get your catheter or exit site wet until your doctor says you can.
After Healing
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Always wash your hands before touching your catheter.
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Keep your catheter clean and covered.
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Anchor the catheter as instructed. Don't let clothes or things you carry rub or pull at it.
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Always do exchanges in a clean place.
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Never use a cloudy or leaking bag of dialysate.
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Don't swim in lakes or streams. The ocean or chlorinated pools are okay.
Important Numbers
Write the names and numbers of your healthcare providers below. That way you will know how to get in touch with them.
Doctor:
Name ___________________ Phone ___________________
Surgeon:
Name ___________________ Phone ___________________
Dialysis Center:
Name ___________________ Phone ___________________
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Watching for Problems
Call your healthcare provider if you notice any of these problems:
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Bleeding or draining from the exit site
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Red, painful, or warm skin around the catheter
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Fever over 101.0°F.
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Pain in your abdomen
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Cloudy or bloody dialysate when it drains from your abdomen
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Date Last Reviewed:
1/2/2005
Date Last Modified:
6/23/2003