Central Line Clinical Practice Guideline and Rational

2337 Words5 Pages

Central Line Clinical Practice Guideline & Rational

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are frequently used in intensive care units (ICUs) for a number of reasons (measure central venous pressure, when peripheral veins are unable to be accessed, administration of medications/therapies and aspiration of blood samples) (Conroy, 2006, p. 98). Patients in this environment already have an increased risk of infection because of their treatments. Patient treatments commonly involve invasive devices or interventions (major surgery), antibiotic therapy (raises the risk of bacterial resistance) while steroid, chemotherapy and radiation therapy all suppress the immune system (Hatler, Hebden, Kaler, & Zack, 2010).

NSWHealth (2005) found that 20-40% of all healthcare associated bloodstream infections may be linked to an inserted CVC. These incidences of central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) have a negative impact on the patient, whose hospital stay is increased, further exposing them to potential complications while significantly contributing to hospital costs (Soufir et al., 1999). Therefore clinical practices associated with CVC management are integral to nursing practice in high acuity areas too ensure patient safety and minimising costs to health care providers.

Sarah Dobinson is a patient at increased risk of infection she is an older patient in a hyper metabolic state secondary to trauma. To ensure Sarah’s safety a set of CVC guidelines have been developed using the most recent primary sources. These guidelines will focus on nursing interventions post insertion in an adult ICU setting they have been developed under four sections addressing the importance of hand hygiene and aseptic technique, changing of administra...

... middle of paper ...

...ter-Related Infections in Critically Ill Adults. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 301(12), 1231-1241. doi: 10.1001/jama.2009.376

Timsit, J.-F., Schwebel, C., Bouadma, L., Geffroy, A., Garrouste-Orgeas, M. t., Pease, S., . . . Lucet, J.-C. (2009). Chlorhexidine-Impregnated Sponges and Less Frequent Dressing Changes for Prevention of Catheter-Related Infections in Critically Ill Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 301(12), 1231-1241. doi: 10.1001/jama.2009.376

Ye-benes, J., Vidaur, L., Serra-Prat, M., Sirvent, J., Batlle, J., Motje, M., . . . Palomar, M. (2004). Prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infection in critically ill patients using a disinfectable, needle-free connector: A randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Infection Control, 32(5), 291-295. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2003.12.004

More about Central Line Clinical Practice Guideline and Rational

Open Document