NURSING IN THE PREVENTION OF INFECTION IN TOTALLY IMPLANTED CATHETERS OF ONCOLOGICAL PATIENTS

Abstract

The aim of this free communication is to highlight scientific evidence related to nursing contributions in preventing infection in totally implanted catheters of oncological patients, based on reference literature on the subject. The studies were selected between November 2015 and January 2016, in the Cochrane Library, Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information, and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online databases via PubMed and Web of Science, using the descriptors indwelling catheter, nursing care, and patient safety. The evidence was organized into three categories: safe puncture of the totally implanted catheter, safety in the change and maintenance of the totally implanted catheter dressing, and safe administration of medication and maintenance of the closed system. Nursing care for totally implanted catheter patients is surrounded by risks that can result in infection of the catheter, however, the existence of preventive measures can reduce these risks.

Keywords

• Catheter related infections
• Nursing care
• Patient safety