Most commonly we use a large plastic glove I think called a vet glove then tape it at the top for PICC lines--most patients prefer this. We have also used the 'shower sleeve' for patients that are sensitive to tape and this works okay as well. RaKay
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Penny Heyder Sent: Monday, December 05, 2005 1:22 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: FW: site protection from water I would be very interested in this information also. Penny Heyder -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Ann Marie J. Frey Sent: Monday, December 05, 2005 1:24 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: site protection from water Question for list: Do you allow patients with PICCs and tunneled central catheters to swim/shower, etc? If so, how do you waterproof the site? Supposedly the transparent dressing [Tegaderm or Sorba View in our case] is waterproof, but water still can seep in where the catheter exits the dressing. I work with neonates to adult sized patients, so the size and age range is quite broad. I have seen some commercial waterproofing devices, but have not used any of these. Any recommendations for showering/swimming and waterproofing both chest and arm central lines? Our current policy is to allow kids to swim in pools [depending on their counts] with tunneled, cuffed lines, but not PICCs. They can shower or bathe with either as long as the PICC is not submerged. Thanks in advance, Anne Marie
