Tips for Care of a CVP Line

In order to provide fluid, take blood measurements or give nutrition, insertion of a CVP line or central venous pressure line might be necessary. The procedure, performed by a doctor, involves inserting a line into a large vein in the neck or chest region. Care of a CVP line is essential to avoid complications such as clotting or infection.

Insertion

• Insertion of a CVP line requires that the area is first frozen and cleaned thoroughly. A needle, inserted into a large vein, allows for positioning of the line and then is secured with stitches and a clear dressing. An X-ray provides a picture of the line to determine if it is in correctly placed. CVP lines involve some risk, including irregular heartbeat or lung collapse.

Infection

• Infection of a CVP line can be very serious. It can lead to a condition called sepsis, a bacterial infection of the blood. Since blood runs through the entire body and affects all organs, bacteria in the blood can lead to death. Methods to lower the risk of infection should be used when maintaining a CVP line. Good hand-washing techniques is the best defense. Whenever your hands are likely to come in touch with the site of insertion or with the tubing, you must wash them. A waterless, alcohol-based solution or bacterial soap with extensive rinsing can go a long way to preventing infection.

Dressing

• A CVP in place longer than four days will need new dressing. The dressing of choice for lines is a clear, polyurethane bandage. The advantage to this is the ability to monitor the insertion site and still provide stability to the line. The area must be cleaned with an antiseptic before applying a new dressing. Wash your hands before touching the old dressing, then again before applying a new one. Wearing gloves for dressing changes reduces the risk of infection.

Antibiotics

• In some cases, a doctor may decide to take extra precautions to reduce risk of complications. An example of this might include the use of antibiotic therapy. A regiment of oral antibiotics might help the body fight infection. In some cases, a topical antibiotic ointment is applied to the area of insertion before the CVP line is installed to eliminate surface contaminants or germs.

Monitoring

• One of the best tools available for care of a CVP line is simply watching the line for problems. Swelling, red areas or drainage can all be signs of possible infection. Making sure the line is secure and stable prevents clots. Any discomfort, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, should be reported immediately.