Minimizing the risk of infection in patients with central venous catheters.

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are increasingly commonplace in health care and provide an integral part of medical management in the acutely ill patient. They are in frequent use in the cardiac setting for haemodynamic monitoring, administration of drugs and intravenous fluids and for venous blood sampling. CVCs pose a serious risk of infection with potentially lethal consequences. The resulting infection has implications for increased length of stay and financial costs as well as the physical and emotional effects on the patient. Nursing practice in the care of these invasive devices must be in line with evidence-based guidelines ensuring optimum safe practice to prevent complications from sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]