Chapter 26: Surgical Infection- Central Line Infections

Question 1

What are the signs of a central line infection?

Answer 1

• Unexplained hyperglycemia
• fever
• mental status change
• hypotension,tachycardia → shock
• pus and erythema at central line site

Question 2

What is a central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI)?

Answer 2

• Central line in place >2 days
• +Blood culture
• No other source of infection

Question 3

What is the most common cause of “catheter-related bloodstream infections”?

Answer 3

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (33%), followed by enterococci, S. aureus,gram-negative rods

Question 4

When should central lines be changed?

Answer 4

When they are infected; there is NO advantage to changing them every 7 days in nonburn patients

Question 5

What central line infusion increases the risk of infection?

Answer 5

Hyperal (TPN)

Question 6

What is the treatment for central line infection?

Answer 6

1. Remove central line (send for culture) ± IV antibiotics
2. Place NEW central line in a different site

Question 7

When should peripheral IV short angiocatheters be changed?

Answer 7

Every 72 to 96 hours