A nurse is planning care for a client who has a central venous access device for intermittent infusions.
Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
A.
Use an aseptic technique when changing the dressing.
B.
Cleanse the site with povidone-iodine.
C.
Flush the catheter using a 10-mL syringe.
D.
Change the dressing every 24 hours.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is A. Use an aseptic technique when changing the dressing.
Explanation:
When managing a central venous access device (CVAD), such as a central line or peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), preventing infection is crucial. Here’s why option A is the correct choice:
Aseptic Technique for Dressing Changes:
- Prevention of Infection: The primary goal when changing the dressing on a CVAD is to prevent infection. An aseptic technique helps to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens into the central line or the surrounding area. This technique involves thorough hand hygiene, using sterile gloves and equipment, and ensuring that the environment and materials are sterile.
- Dressing Change Protocol: Typically, dressing changes are performed using aseptic technique every 7 days or according to institutional protocols, unless the dressing becomes wet, soiled, or loose. Adhering to aseptic principles ensures that contamination is avoided during the process.
Other Options Explained:
B. Cleanse the site with povidone-iodine:
While povidone-iodine is a common antiseptic, it is not always the recommended choice for central line sites. Chlorhexidine gluconate is often preferred due to its longer-lasting antimicrobial activity. Additionally, the specific cleansing agent might be determined by hospital policy or the manufacturer’s guidelines.
C. Flush the catheter using a 10-mL syringe:
Using a 10-mL syringe is actually correct for flushing central lines, as syringes smaller than 10 mL can create excessive pressure and potentially damage the catheter or vein. However, this option pertains to flushing procedures rather than dressing changes, which is the focus of the question.
D. Change the dressing every 24 hours:
Dressing changes every 24 hours are not standard practice for central lines. Typically, the dressing is changed every 7 days or as needed if compromised. Frequent changes can increase the risk of infection and are not usually necessary unless specified by clinical indications.
In summary, option A is correct because using aseptic technique is crucial for infection control during the dressing change process for central venous access devices.