When caring for a patient with a tunneled central venous catheter, what is important to monitor for?

When caring for a patient with a tunneled central venous catheter, monitoring for signs of infection is particularly critical. Tunneled central venous catheters, while providing long-term access for administration of medications, fluids, or blood products, can serve as a potential entry point for pathogens.

Signs of infection may include redness, swelling, warmth, pain at the insertion site, fever, or drainage. Since these catheters are often placed for extended periods, maintaining aseptic technique during care and being vigilant for any indicators of infection can prevent serious complications such as sepsis. Early detection of infection allows for prompt intervention, which can significantly reduce the risk of morbidity associated with catheter-related infections.

While monitoring for loose connections, fluid overload, and air embolism is also important in the management of central venous catheters, the primary focus here centers on infection because it presents a significant risk to patient safety that can escalate quickly without appropriate management.