Lines and Tubes Flashcards
PEG/PEJ Tube
4 considerations
Function:
Controls nutrition. Pump controls feeds of food bag and water bag. Stands for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy/jejunostomy.
PT Considerations:
* Head of bed > 30 degrees when feeding to prevent aspiration.
* Can ask nurse to detach for mobility.
* If unattached > 15 minutes, needs to be flushed.
* Don’t hold if on insulin drip.
Pulmonary Artery Catheter/Swann-Ganz
5 considerations
Function:
* Measures pressure.
* Inserts into subclavian, jugular, or femoral vein, passes through superior vena cava, right atrium, and right ventricle to sit at the edge of the pulmonary artery.
PT Considerations:
* Level transducer with heart (5th intercostal space).
* Adjust with movement.
* Ensure balloon is deflated.
* Caution with ipsilateral shoulder flexion > 90°.
* Secure line attachment before mobility.
Peripheral IV
2 considerations
Function:
* Delivery of medications, fluids, nutrition, glucose, electrolytes, and blood products.
* Inserted into peripheral vein (hand, wrist, forearm, or foot).
PT Considerations:
* Position patient to avoid occluding flow.
* If flow stops, pump will beep.
Foley Catheter
2 considerations
Function:
Facilitates bladder emptying for incontinence, retention, or output monitoring.
PT Considerations:
* Maintain below the insertion level.
* Sensation of needing to pee may be due to Foley.
Pulse Oximeter Lead
2 considerations
Function:
Monitors peripheral arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2). Placed on finger, toe, ear, or forehead.
PT Considerations:
* Monitor SpO2 with activity.
* If reading is low, check waveform or try a different location.
Arterial Line
1 consideration
Function:
Invasive arterial BP monitor; used for ABGs. Often in radial or femoral artery.
PT Considerations:
* Level transducer with heart (5th intercostal space).
Sequential Compression Device (SCD)
2 considerations
Function: Helps with circulation and decreases DVT risk. Placed on lower legs.
PT Considerations:
* Remove before PT.
* Don’t use over known DVT.
Jackson-Pratt Drain
3 considerations
Function: Negative pressure drain, often placed in a surgical wound.
PT Considerations:
* If full, ask nurse to empty.
* Secure drain before mobility.
* If it opens, clean and close.
Hemovac
3 considerations
Function: Negative pressure drain, often after orthopedic surgery.
PT Considerations:
* If full, ask nurse to empty.
* Secure before mobility.
* If it opens, clean and close.
Chest Tube
5 considerations
Function: Tube in pleural space to drain edema, blood, or air. Often sutured in place.
PT Considerations:
* Maintain collection chamber below patient and upright.
* Ensure MD orders to take off suction.
* Avoid rolling onto chest tube side.
* Monitor output with activity.
* Note for any bubbling (air leak).
Colostomy
3 considerations
Function: Opening from the bowels into a bag. Name varies by GI location.
PT Considerations:
* Ensure bag is secure before mobility.
* If > 1/2 full, have patient or nurse empty it.
* If new, patient likely has abdominal precautions.
PICC Line
Function: Goes to distal vena cava for long-term use (meds, TPN, fluids).
PT Considerations:
* No BP over PICC.
* Avoid axillary crutches.
* Tip could irritate heart and cause arrhythmias.
Venturi Mask
3 considerations
Function:
Facemask with valve titration of FiO2 (different color = different FiO2). Often used for CO2 retention concerns.
PT Considerations:
* Monitor for respiratory distress.
* Can mobilize with portable O2 tank.
* Monitor SpO2, RR, and HR.
