MCCCD Program Description

Care and Management of Vascular Access Devices

Course: NCE237

First Term: 2011 Summer I

Lecture 0.5 Credit(s) 0.5 Period(s) 0.5 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S

Description: Types of vascular catheters, types of clients who use them and clinical indications for each. Care for the different devices, differences in tip locations and the types of infusion therapies infused through each device.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe the uses of central venous catheters. (I, VIII) 2. Identify the types of central venous catheters. (II, VI) 3. Identify possible complications with vascular access devices. (III) 4. Describe the management of vascular access devices. (III, IV, VII) 5. Explain how to detect occlusions and the management of these in vascular access devices. (III, IV, VII) 6. Identify the criteria for routine nursing assessment for vascular access devices. (III, V) 7. Discuss the essential documentation of the care of vascular access devices. (V, VI, VIII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Uses of Vascular Access Catheters A. Administration of caustic fluids B. Long term fluid administration C. Assessment of hydration D. Monitor fluid replacement II. Types of Vascular Access Catheters A. Tunneled catheters B. Non-tunneled catheters C. Implanted ports III. Complications of Vascular Access Catheters A. Pneumothorax and hemothorax B. Catheter misplacement C. Infection D. Hemorrhage E. Pulmonary embolism F. Cardiac arrhythmias G. Superior vena cava thrombosis H. Cardiac tamponade I. Tissue infiltration IV. Locks and Tubing A. Types B. Multiple line issues C. Flushing techniques V. Vascular Access Catheter Site Assessment A. Signs of infection 1. Culturing catheter tips B. Leakage C. Correct flow rate D. Catheter length VI. Vascular Access Catheter Dressings A. Dressing types B. Dressing change techniques VII. Occlusions A. Detection of occlusions B. Re-establishing patency 1. Thrombolytic use 2. Detection with diagnostic testing VIII. Documentation A. Condition of site B. Catheter length C. Dressing changes D. Fluids administered E. Placement F. Client response

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 2/22/2011

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.