PATIENT EDUCATION

• Review postoperative instructions with patient:
• • Maintain clean, dry, securely taped sterile dressing
  • Protect site from gross contamination and wetness
  • Immobilize catheter
  • Practice good hygiene
  • Take no shower or bath until healed^{11, 13}
  • Avoid heavy lifting, stair climbing, straining, and constipation until catheter is healed (2 to 6 weeks)
  • Notify PD unit in case of blood or other drainage, pain or tenderness, trauma to abdomen
• Restrict dressing changes following implantation to experienced PD staff or trained patients (if patient lives far from center)¹³
• Educate patients who perform postoperative dressing changes to:
• • Recognize early signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, and discharge
  • Use aseptic technique with face mask and gloves
  • Inspect exit-site and palpate tunnel
  • Maintain stability of catheter during inspection
  • Cleanse with nonirritating solutions when instructed by nurse