Chemotherapy
BASIC STEPS FOR CHEMO TAKEDOWN:
-
Wash/Sanitize hands. Introduce yourself & HHC.
-
Dress with gown (may be used), hair cap (if one is sent), gloves and mask.
-
All items are located in a “precautions kit” (similar to dressing change kit, looks like MRSA or VRE precaution kits you see in the hospital).
-
Do not discard gown unless it is compromised during the visit. If it is, please let us know as the Pharmacy does not send out new gowns unless we request.
-
-
Flush port or PICC line with saline and heparin.
-
Take out/DC Huber needle (if patient has port).
-
Place needle in sharpes container.
-
-
Ask the patient to Save/Keep gown for subsequent visits if it is not compromised (not dirty or contaminated from chemo).
-
Place gloves, mask and cap into bio hazard bag. Patient will take bio-bag to clinic for disposal.
-
Cover port site with Band-Aid, or if bleeding, with gauze and tape (all provided by Pharmacy). Most ports won’t bleed and a Band-Aid is sufficient.
-
Check vitals and complete basic assessment. If this is a new patient to HHC, document on the 4 page Initial Assessment form.
-
Use a 1 page standard visit note for all subsequent/follow-up visits.
-
TYPICAL CHEMO TAKEDOWN ORDERS:
-
RN to disconnect chemo using chemo precautions, then flush port with 10mL NS, followed by 5mL Heparin.
-
RN to remove port access per protocol, as ordered.
-
RN to complete basic assessment including vital signs and systems review.
CHEMO TAKEDOWN HOW TO VIDEO: