Skill Checklists for Taylor's Clinical Nursing Skills: A Nursing Process Approach

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Skill Checklists for Taylor's Clinical Nursing Skills:
A Nursing Process Approach, 3rd edition

Name Date

Unit Position

Instructor/Evaluator: Position

SKILL 15-8

Accessing an Implanted Port

Goal:The port is accessed with minimal to no discomfort to

the patient; the port site is free from trauma and infection;

and the patient verbalizes an understanding of care associated

with the port. Comments

1. Verify medical order and/or facility policy and procedure.
   Often, the procedure for accessing an implanted port and
   dressing changes will be a standing protocol. Gather equip-
   ment and bring to bedside.


2. Perform hand hygiene and put on PPE, if indicated.


3. Identify the patient.


4. Close curtains around bed and close the door to the room,
   if possible. Explain what you are going to do, and why
   you are going to do it to the patient. Ask the patient about
   allergies to tape and skin antiseptics.


5. Place a waste receptacle or bag at a convenient location for
   use during the procedure.


6. Adjust bed to comfortable working height, usually elbow
   height of the caregiver (VISN 8 Patient Safety Center,
   2009).


7. Assist the patient to a comfortable position that provides
   easy access to the port site. Use the bath blanket to cover
   any exposed area other than the site.


8. Put a mask on. Ask patient to turn head away from access
   site. Alternately, have the patient put on a mask. Move the
   overbed table to a convenient location within easy reach.
   Set up a sterile field on the table. Open dressing supplies
   and add to sterile field.


9. Put on clean gloves. Palpate the location of the port.
   Assess site. Note the status of any surgical incisions that
   may be present. Remove gloves and discard.


10. Put on sterile gloves. Connect the end cap to the extension
    tubing on the noncoring needle. Clean end cap with alco-
    hol wipe. Insert syringe with normal saline into end cap.
    Fill extension tubing with normal saline and apply clamp.
    Place on sterile field.

Copyright © 2011 by Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Skill Checklists for Taylor's Clinical Nursing Skills:

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