Re: Peds issue

[InfusionTx]

It is hard for us old salts to stand up to an MD or the tide of popular opinion and use a line without blood return. After all "we have always done that" and had no problems. We know it is wrong. We know the standards. We must stand our ground and teach our new nurses and our patients and caregivers it right to say NO when there is not a blood return.   These type of cases, many of which do not have such a nice outcome, just illustrate that it is NOT OK and bad things do happen.   I reiterate what Lynn said, educate the mom but I add, empower her, make sure that she is ready to say NO when others try to tell her it is alright, "we do it all the time".   Tony West, RN, CRNI Healix, Inc. Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] SMS: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cell: 214-674-4848   In a message dated 1/9/2006 10:49:54 A.M. Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Ports come in 2 varieties - those with the catheter pre-attached to the port body and those where the surgeon must make this attachment during insertion. The methods for attachment can differ, even within the same manufacturer's line. Many times the physicians do not take the time to appropriately learn the method of attachment for the specific brand of port being used. They often assume that all are the same and this could not be farther from the truth! This detachment may have resulted from not being properly attached during the implantation and not as a result of a faulty product. This mother should not be afraid to pick up the baby, but she should be educated that a brisk blood return is mandatory before each use of the catheter. Without that blood return, nothing should go through it until the reason for a lack of blood return has been identified. Lynn At 6:43 PM -0500 1/8/06, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi I am not familiar with the vita port brand of Port. I have a friend that  has a 6 mo.  old recently diagnosed with retino blastoma.  She had a Vitaport place a to receive chemo . The port came apart at the hub after one treatment.  The oncologist wanted it replaced the next day. The surgeon  just reconnected  the tubing  and put in more stitches  to secure the port. He said it probably happened when the mom lifted the baby.  She is  worried that it will happen again and is afraid to left the baby.  She scoops her up but is still worried.  I am not familiar with this brand of port  Is it that fragile in small children.?  Can it happen again. Can any Peds nurse advise me? (Ann Marie Frey  or Darcy in Ohio ?  Please mail me privately with any response. I just want to reassure my friend . Having to deal with chemo is more than enough thanks for your help in advance. Marcia in Indy -- Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RNC, CRNI Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc. 126 Main Street, PO Box 10 Milner, GA 30257 http://www.hadawayassociates.com office 770-358-7861