SHEA GUIDELINES Bundle (free trial)

Guide to Being A Safe Patient or Caregiver to Help Prevent Infections

SHEA GUIDELINES Apps brought to you free of charge courtesy of Guideline Central. All of these titles are available for purchase on our website, GuidelineCentral.com. Enjoy!

Issue link: https://eguideline.guidelinecentral.com/i/1530868

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 5 of 11

6 Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) A small tube placed in a vein in the neck, chest, arm, or groin may be called a central line or an intravenous catheter (IV). It is used to draw blood, give fluids, or give medications. An IV may be left in place for several days or weeks. An IV can cause a bloodstream infection called central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), which occurs when bacteria or other germs enter the blood by traveling down the central line from the skin or from the catheter opening (known as the "hub"), which is used for giving medications or drawing blood. Tell a healthcare professional if you have: • Fever • Chills • Tenderness, redness, swelling, warmth, red streaks, or drainage at the IV site • Unusual fatigue • A wet, dirty, or loose bandage where the IV enters the skin • If the IV was pulled or is no longer secure. Follow the Steps to Prevent HAIs, and: • Ask when the IV can be removed. • Ask if you can shower with the IV in place and if so, what instructions to follow. • Ask if you will need to use antiseptic wipes or other skin cleansing products. • Ask whether there are additional instructions for taking care of your mouth (oral care). For caregivers, ask the doctor or nurse what instructions to follow or actions to take, if you notice any symptoms, if you see that the bandage where the IV enters the skin is wet, dirty, or loose, or if the IV was pulled or no longer seems secure.

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of SHEA GUIDELINES Bundle (free trial) - Guide to Being A Safe Patient or Caregiver to Help Prevent Infections