Vascular Access Devices: Implanted Vascular Access Ports
Presented by Lisa A. Gorski
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This course is the fourth in a series of six courses aimed at providing the home care nurse with the essential knowledge to safely care for patients who require a variety of home infusion therapies. Home care nurses must possess a high level of knowledge and skill to safely insert and manage vascular access devices, provide infusions via an array of infusion methods, recognize and respond to complications, and provide patient and caregiver education. This course focuses on understanding implanted vascular access ports. Important to safe practice is an understanding of the types of ports, how to identify them, and how to safely access the port with attention to aseptic technique and port patency. Ongoing assessment and care during port access are critical to reducing the risk for complications.
Learning Objectives
- Determine indications for and features of various types of implanted vascular access ports
- Examine critical aspects associated with implanted vascular port access
- Implement a monitoring plan for potential complications associated with implanted vascular access ports
Meet your instructor
Lisa A. Gorski
Lisa A. Gorski has worked for 40 years as a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and educator for Wheaton Franciscan Home Health & Hospice, now part of Ascension at Home, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a CNS, she has played a key role in the home infusion therapy program, contributing to clinician education, policy and procedure…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Types of Implanted Vascular Access Ports
Implanted ports may have one or two lumens and may be power-injectable, and there are ports with very specific indications. They may be placed in the chest or an extremity. The home care nurse must possess an understanding of differences and must use sound processes in port identification.
2. Assessment and Implanted Port Access
Prior to port access, it is important to assess the port and its locations and address the patient’s need for pain management during the access procedure. Critical aspects of the actual port access procedure include skin antisepsis, needle selection, and establishment of patency.
3. Potential Complications
Complications include infection, catheter-associated thrombosis, catheter malposition, and infiltration or extravasation. Prevention, identification, and interventions in the event of a complication are addressed.
More courses in this series
Introduction to Home Infusion Therapy
Lisa A. Gorski
Vascular Access Devices: Peripheral Catheters
Lisa A. Gorski
Vascular Access Devices: External Central Vascular Access Devices
Lisa A. Gorski
Vascular Access Devices: Implanted Vascular Access Ports
Lisa A. Gorski
Infusion Therapy: Complications
Lisa A. Gorski
Infusion Therapy Administration
Lisa A. Gorski