8/12/2019 BSI Largertext

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bsi-largertext 1/2

FAQs(frequently asked quesons) “Catheter-Associated

Bloodstream Infecons”(also known as “Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infecons”)

about

What is a catheter-associatedbloodstream infecon?

A “central line” or “central catheter” is atube that is placed into a paent’s largevein, usually in the neck, chest, arm, orgroin. The catheter is oen used to drawblood, or give uids or medicaons. Itmay be le in place for several weeks. Abloodstream infecon can occur whenbacteria or other germs travel downa “central line” and enter the blood.f you develop a catheter-associated

bloodstream infecon you may becomell with fevers and chills or the skin around

the catheter may become sore and red.

Can a catheter-related bloodstreamnfecon be treated?

A catheter-associated bloodstreamnfecon is serious, but oen can besuccessfully treated with anbiocs. Thecatheter might need to be removed if youdevelop an infecon.

What are some of the things thathospitals are doing to prevent catheter-associated bloodstream infecons?

To prevent catheter-associatedbloodstream infecons doctors andnurses will:

• Choose a vein where the catheter canbe safely inserted and where the risk for

infecon is small.

• Clean their hands with soap and wateror an alcohol-based hand rub beforepung in the catheter.

• Wear a mask, cap, sterile gown, andsterile gloves when pung in thecatheter to keep it sterile. The paentwill be covered with a sterile sheet.

• Clean the paent’s skin with anansepc cleanser before pung in thcatheter.

• Clean their hands, wear gloves, and clethe catheter opening with an ansepsoluon before using the catheterto draw blood or give medicaons.Healthcare providers also clean theirhands and wear gloves when changingthe bandage that covers the area whethe catheter enters the skin.

• Decide every day if the paent sll neeto have the catheter. The catheter wil

be removed as soon as it is no longerneeded.

• Carefully handle medicaons and uidthat are given through the catheter.

What can I do to help prevent a catheteassociated bloodstream infecon?

• Ask your doctors and nurses to explainwhy you need the catheter and how lo

you will have it.

8/12/2019 BSI Largertext

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bsi-largertext 2/2

• Ask your doctors and nurses if they willbe using all of the prevenon methodsdiscussed above.

• Make sure that all doctors and nursescaring for you clean their hands withsoap and water or an alcohol-based

hand rub before and aer caring foryou.

If you do not see your providers cleantheir hands, please ask them to do so.

• If the bandage comes o or becomeswet or dirty, tell your nurse or doctor

immediately.

• Inform your nurse or doctor if the areaaround your catheter is sore or red.

• Do not let family and friends who visittouch the catheter or the tubing.

• Make sure family and friends cleantheir hands with soap and water or analcohol-based hand rub before and aer

vising you.

What do I need to do when I go homefrom the hospital?

Some paents are sent home from thehospital with a catheter in order toconnue their treatment. If you go homewith a catheter, your doctors and nurseswill explain everything you need to know

about taking care of your catheter.• Make sure you understand how to care

for the catheter before leaving thehospital. For example, ask for

Co-sponsored by:

instrucons on showering or bathingwith the catheter and how to change tcatheter dressing.

• Make sure you know who to contact ifyou have quesons or problems aeryou get home.

• Make sure you wash your hands withsoap and water or an alcohol-based harub before handling your catheter.

• Watch for the signs and symptomsof catheter-associated bloodstreaminfecon, such as soreness or redness the catheter site or fever, and call yourhealthcare provider immediately if anyoccur.

If you have addional quesons, please your doctor or nurse.