Nonocclusive, clean permanent right atrial catheter dressing change procedures compared with occlusive, sterile permanent right atrial catheter dressing change procedures in children with cancer.

From the University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI. © 1990 by Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses. Nursing practices at many institutions advocate the use of occlusive, sterile permanent right atrial catheter (PRAC) dressing change procedures. Few of these practices are based on research data. However, nursing literature suggests that employing simpler procedures or no dressing at all may be acceptable. Using a randomized, experimental, crossover study design, a comparison was made: between an occlusive, sterile PRAC (standard) dressing change procedure and a nonocclusive clean. PRAC (experimental) dressing change procedure in children with cancer. The objectives of this study were.to compare infectious complication rates, differences in cost, and patient satisfaction associated with each procedure. Thirty-eight patients were entered on the study; 24 were evaluable. Observations.of the exit site condition were made with each dressing change and recorded on data capture forms by