Managing Pleural Effusions

Nursing Care of Patients With a Tenckhoff Catheter

Walker, Susan J. RN(EC), MN
Bryden, Gina RN, BA, MAEd

Susan J. Walker, RN(EC), MN, is a nurse practitioner in thoracic surgery at University Health Network with a cross appointment at the University of Toronto in Canada; and Gina Bryden, RN, BA, MAEd, is an advanced practice nurse educator in thoracic surgery at University Health Network. Mention of specific products and opinions related to those products do not indicate or imply endorsement by the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing or the Oncology Nursing Society. (First submission February 2009. Revision submitted April 2009. Accepted for publication June 14, 2009.)

Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing 14(1):p 59-64, February 2010.

Malignant pleural effusions result from advanced metastatic disease and can have a devastating effect on patients and their families. The insertion of a tunneled pleural catheter, such as a Tenckhoff catheter, is a treatment option for this patient population. Nurses play a significant role during the patient's journey with the disease process, providing the skills necessary to promote self-care and autonomy, resulting in improved quality of life. In this article, the authors discuss the nursing care of patients who have a Tenckhoff catheter.