A complete device assessment addresses each of the following for every device, every visit, and compares each finding to baseline.
Device identification — the type, gauge or size, lumens, insertion date, and the ordered care and dressing schedule.
Site — erythema, swelling, tenderness, drainage, warmth, or bleeding at the insertion or exit site or the port pocket.
Patency and function — flushing and, for vascular access, the ability to draw a blood return without resistance; for enteral tubes, patency and residuals per order.
Securement — the securement device or sutures intact, the external length or marking unchanged, and the device not migrated or dislodged.
Dressing — clean, dry, intact, and changed on schedule with sterile technique.
Output, where applicable — drain volume and character, or enteral feeding tolerance and residuals.
Tubing and connections — free of kinks, leaks, and disconnections, with appropriate clamps and caps.
Complication surveillance — infection, occlusion, dislodgement, infiltration or extravasation, thrombosis, and air-embolism risk during manipulation.
The infusion or feeding, where running — the correct solution, rate, and pump function per order.
Vital signs and systemic signs that bear on device-related infection or complication.
