Showers for OHS pts

Per Peggy, OT is not required to do the first shower with our open heart pts. It is a good opportunity for the primary RN to assess the pt and begin teaching. RNs should check to make sure that all dressings are removed, PICCS/peripheral IVs are covered, and pacer wires are insulated before the shower. Any moisture at invasive sites promotes to growth of bacteria. Peggy is working on a new post-chest tube-removal dressing that would allow the patient to shower the same day as chest tub-removal. For now, pts must wait 24 hours after the tubes are removed before showering.