Prevention of Infections Related to Central Venous Catheters

Infections related to central venous catheters (CVCs) increase hospital costs, length of stay, and patient mortality. Review of the literature and research pertaining to CVCs have provided some guidelines to reduce the risk of infections related to CVCs. Recommended guidelines include use of sterile technique with insertion, maintenance of site dressings, avoidance of routine changes of CVCs, and reduction of hub manipulation. Critical care nurses have the primary opportunity to improve patient outcomes by reducing CVC infections.