Author Question: Describe a HickmanBroviac catheter and compare it to a central line ... (Read 40 times)

KimWrice · **on:** Aug 2, 2018

Describe a HickmanBroviac catheter and compare it to a central line catheter.

Question 2

Outline the medical nutrition therapy you would recommend for Mrs. M.

iceage · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 2, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Both are silicone catheters that are very similar in design. The Hickman is a modification of the Broviac catheter and is probably the most frequently used of the two.

A HickmanBroviac catheter was originally designed to be a right atrial catheter used for long-term administration of substances, such as TPN. It is still used for this purpose but it is now recommended that the catheter tip float in the superior vena cava instead of the right atrium.6 It is made of a very soft, flexible silicone that is less reactive than other catheters. Part of the catheter lies in a subcutaneous tunnel and emerges just lateral to the sternum at approximately the fourth or fifth rib. These catheters differ from standard central line catheters in that they have a Luer-Lok connector that can attach to I.V. tubing or be capped off when not in use.7

A central line catheter is a long, fine catheter inserted into a vein for the same purpose as the HickmanBroviac catheter. It is intended for relatively short-term use. It is commonly inserted into the right or left subclavian vein and then threaded into the superior vena cava. The jugular vein and other veins can be used.

Answer to Question 2

Laboratory blood work and nutritional intake have already been obtained. The treatment includes her diet order and nutritional supplements, if applicable, and nutritional counseling.

The counseling session should include an explanation of the diet and its relationship with the disease. If the patient can understand even a part of what the disease is and how the diet is going to help, there is a greater chance the diet will be followed.