Percutaneous Nephrostomy (PCN) Site Care, Tube Care, and Irrigation

Presented by Amanda Fay and Clinical Procedure Manual Review Board

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Video Runtime: 9 Minutes

Assessing a percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) site is a necessary procedure for patients who require the use of a PCN for treatment. In this training, we’ll review the equipment and procedures to perform an assessment of the nephrostomy insertion site, troubleshoot possible complications related to nephrostomy obstruction, and explore evidence-based care to reduce infection. This course includes

- Video demonstrations of procedures
- Downloadable procedure guide PDFs
- Tips and best practices for performing these procedures in the home

It is important to have a thorough understanding of PCN and site assessment as understanding line maintenance is crucial when caring for patients with lines and drains at home, the assessment is a relatively common and high-risk procedure that requires knowledge of aseptic technique to prevent possible infectious processes, and clinicians need to be aware of possible sequelae and monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of dehydration, infection, and/or bleeding. Throughout this procedure, nursing staff must adhere to proper aseptic technique, utilizing sterile gloves and a sterile field.

This course was reviewed by Danielle Pierotti, RN, PhD, CENP, to ensure the content meets current professional guidelines and best evidence-based practices.

Meet your instructors

Amanda Fay

Amanda Fay is a clinical education and evidence-based practice educator, MSN, and RN with more than 21 years of nursing and education experience. She is an innovator with a passion for creating engaging, relevant programs that support individuals reaching their highest potential in both personal and professional domains. In…

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Clinical Procedure Manual Review Board

The MedBridge Clinical Procedure Manual Review Board ensures the development and maintenance of up-to-date and evidence-based clinical procedures. The review board is composed of leading nurse experts in the field: Danielle Pierotti, RN, PhD, CENP, and Margherita Labson, RN, BSN, MSHSA. The review board is involved in…

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Chapters & learning objectives

1. Introduction

This chapter includes an introduction to percutaneous nephrostomy site care, tube care, and irrigation; information on all of the equipment needed for these procedures; and recommended infection control policies.

2. Procedure: Nephrostomy Site and Tube Care

This chapter will provide a step-by-step procedure guide and video demonstration of nephrostomy site and tube care.

3. Procedure: Nephrostomy Irrigation

This chapter will provide a step-by-step procedure guide and video demonstration of nephrostomy irrigation.

4. Tips, Precautions, and Care Considerations

This chapter provides tips and considerations for performing these skills in the home.

5. Documentation Guidelines

This chapter provides recommendations on what to note when documenting for patients receiving nephrostomy care.

6. Patient Education

This chapter provides information on what education the patient needs to support self-management of their care.

7. Conclusion

This chapter includes learning assessment questions to assess the learner's knowledge of skills covered in this course. A bibliography of referenced material is also included.