Central Venous Catheter Site Care
Site care of the central venous catheter allows for assessment and care of the catheter insertion site.
PREREQUISITE NURSING KNOWLEDGE
• Understanding of the principles of aseptic technique is needed.
• Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of catheter-related infection and sepsis is necessary.
• Most serious catheter-related infections are associated with central venous catheters (CVCs), especially those that are placed in the intensive care setting.7
• Bloodstream infections related to the use of CVCs are an important cause of patient morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare costs.2
• Topical antibiotic ointment or creams are not recommended on the catheter insertion site. The use of antibiotic ointment or cream can potentially promote fungal infections and antimicrobial resistance.7,8
EQUIPMENT
• Nonsterile and sterile gloves
• Transparent dressing or sterile 4 × 4 gauze
• Prepackaged sterile dressing kit (may include some of the above items)
• Antiseptic solution (e.g., 2% chlorhexidine based)
Additional equipment as needed includes the following:
PATIENT AND FAMILY EDUCATION
Rationale: Explanation prepares the patient and decreases patient anxiety.
Rationale:
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
