Abstract
Objective: To analyze the knowledge of patients on hemodialysis on self-care with the central venous catheter. Method: Descriptive study of a qualitative approach performed with 9 patients enrolled in the Substitute Renal Therapy Service of the Hospital de Clínicas Gaspar Vianna Foundation, in the city of Belém do Pará. An instrument was used to collect data that was later analyzed according to the model proposed by Bardin. Results: After the analysis and interpretation of the data collected from the 9 patients, who composed the study sample, 3 categories emerged: Knowledge and significance of hemodialysis in the life of chronic renal patients; Self-care and daily life of the chronic renal patient on hemodialysis; The self-esteem and self-image of the chronic renal patient on hemodialysis. It was noticed that in general all patients have a lack of knowledge about their treatment and about the self-care necessary for the correct maintenance of their catheter. Conclusion: It is important to emphasize the importance of the nurse in passing on guidelines for the promotion of self-care of chronic renal patients and, consequently, a better quality of life. We suggest the construction of educational technologies for use with these patients, in addition to the implementation of Nursing Care Systematization, which can identify deficiencies in self-care and implement nursing interventions, minimizing such problems.