My hands are swollen, is it because of washing hands?

Uncle Lin from Yueqing, Zhejiang, needed infusion for lung infection, so he received a needle indwelling in the vein of his hand at the outpatient clinic. When the needle was removed after the infusion, the nurse told him to press for 5 minutes to stop bleeding and not to get wet within 24 hours. However, that afternoon, Uncle Lin forgot the nurse's instructions and washed his hands and wiped them with an old towel. The next day, the needle hole became red, swollen, hot and painful, and was diagnosed with infection at the puncture site.

At present, indwelling needles are widely used in outpatient infusion patients. They not only reduce the pain caused by multiple punctures, but also improve the safety and convenience of infusion, and improve the comfort and efficacy of patients. However, we must know the knowledge of indwelling needle care at home to ensure the safe use of indwelling needles.

Maintenance and protection of indwelling needles:

1. Keep the puncture site dry

① When bathing, wrap the indwelling needle site with plastic wrap (at least 5 cm above and below the application), and then seal the edges with wide tape. After the treatment, remove it and wipe the skin dry. Soaking (such as swimming or bathing) is prohibited.

② Wear waterproof gloves when washing dishes and laundry to avoid direct immersion.

③ If it gets wet accidentally, wipe it dry with a clean towel in time, and go to the hospital to change the dressing if necessary. Observe closely within 24 hours after getting wet, and seek medical attention immediately if the following conditions occur: exudation or suppuration at the puncture site; swelling and increased pain at the limbs; fever (body temperature > 38°C).

2. Prevent the indwelling needle from shifting or falling off

① Avoid the limb on the side with the indwelling needle when putting on or taking off clothes, and give priority to loose clothing. Be careful when taking off clothes to prevent the clothes from hooking the indwelling needle and causing the catheter to be dislocated. Remember the priority principle when putting on or taking off clothes. First fix the indwelling needle, then put on the side with the indwelling needle first, then put on the other side; take off the side with the indwelling needle first, then take off the other side.

②Avoid pressing on the limbs with indwelling needles when sleeping.

③If the indwelling needle accidentally comes out, immediately press the needle hole with a sterile cotton swab. The bleeding will stop in 3 to 5 minutes.

④ Avoid lifting heavy objects, strenuous activities or excessive bending of limbs (such as reducing fisting when indwelling the back of the hand to avoid blood return).

3. Pay attention to the situation of the puncture site

Observe the puncture site every day for any abnormalities such as redness, swelling, pain, or exudation. If any abnormalities are found, contact medical staff in a timely manner.

Observation method:

Check: whether the skin around the puncture point is red or swollen (range > 2cm), and whether there is yellow-white pus or exudate.

Touch: Check whether the local skin temperature is elevated (compared with the opposite limb) and whether the pain is aggravated by pressing.

Test: Whether accompanied by fever (body temperature ≥38℃) or chills.

Use loose socks to make a small glove for your baby to protect the indwelling needle

4. What else should we pay attention to when placing an indwelling needle in children at home?

① Do not walk with the indwelling needle in your foot. When sleeping, you can put a small quilt between your legs to prevent the indwelling needle from being kicked off by your other foot.

② Parents should supervise their babies and not let them bite or pull out the "small cap" (that is, the heparin cap) and "switch" (the small clip should be in the closed state after the infusion is completed) on the indwelling needle.

③ Parents can use loose socks to make a small glove for the baby to protect the indwelling needle.