What is appropriate care for a new peritoneal catheter exit site?

The appropriate care for a new peritoneal catheter exit site involves cleansing the site with antibacterial soap and water before covering it with a sterile nonocclusive dressing. This practice is essential for minimizing the risk of infection and promoting healing at the exit site. Antibacterial soap helps eliminate bacteria that could potentially lead to an infection, while the use of a sterile nonocclusive dressing allows for proper ventilation and moisture management without adhering to the wound.

This approach not only safeguards the overall integrity of the wound but also aligns with the best practices recommended for care of catheter sites after placement. Regular and thorough cleansing is vital in the post-operative period when the site is particularly vulnerable.

In contrast to other options, the recommendation for dressing change frequency is unnecessarily strict if the site is stable, and monitoring for discoloration is certainly important as part of overall patient assessment, but should not overshadow the priority of proper cleansing and dressing. Additionally, manipulating the catheter should be approached cautiously; while occasional checks for adherence are necessary, excessive manipulation can cause trauma to the site or increase the risk of complications.