Where the catheter enters your body, it is covered with a bandage (dressing). Only change the dressing if you or a caregiver as been told to do so.
A catheter is a thin, soft tube. It is placed into a vein. The vein is most often in your arm.
Your midline catheter is used to give medicine or fluids. This means that you may need to flush it. This keeps it from getting clogged or blocked.
A central line is often used instead of a standard I.V. line when you need treatment for longer than a week or so. The line can send medicine or nutrition right into your bloodstream.
Learn how to care for your stitches (sutures) when you are at home.
Since a central line provides a direct path into your bloodstream, there is a high risk of infection when you change the dressing. Follow these step-by-step instructions to do this safely.
The epinephrine autoinjector is used to give yourself a shot during an emergency allergic reaction. Here's what you need to know.
Step-by-step instructions for giving yourself a subcutaneous injection of medicine.
Injection pens are popular because they are easy to use. Learn how to give yourself medicine using an injection pen.
A general guide to TPN, with helpful reminders and tips about what you'll need to do each day.
Learn about central line infections, how hospitals are trying to prevent them, and how to treat an infection if one occurs.
Your PICC line is an important part of your healthcare. To care for your PICC line, you will need to flush it. Here are instructions on what to do.
You must be very careful to avoid infection when changing the dressing on your PICC line. Follow our step-by-step guide.
A helpful, step-by-step guide to walking with crutches, including going up and down stairs.
