CLABSI

Full Answer Section

• Full-barrier precautions: During CVC insertion, healthcare workers should wear a mask, cap, sterile gown, and sterile gloves. The patient should also be covered with a large sterile drape.
• Avoiding the femoral vein: The femoral vein is located in the groin. It is a high-risk site for CLABSI because it is close to the skin and bacteria can easily enter the bloodstream from the skin.
• Removing unnecessary catheters: CVCs should be removed as soon as they are no longer needed. The longer a CVC is in place, the greater the risk of infection.

By following these simple steps, healthcare providers can help to prevent CLABSI and keep their patients safe. Here are some additional tips to help prevent CLABSI:

• Educate patients and their families about CLABSI and how to prevent it.
• Use aseptic technique when changing dressings or accessing the CVC.
• Monitor the CVC site for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pain.
• Report any signs of infection to the healthcare team immediately.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your patients safe from CLABSI.

Sample Answer CLABSI stands for central line-associated bloodstream infection. It is a type of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) that occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream through a central venous catheter (CVC). CVCs are tubes that are inserted into a large vein, usually in the chest, to deliver fluids, medications, or blood products. CLABSIs are serious infections that can lead to sepsis, organ failure, and death. The risk of CLABSI increases with the length of time a CVC is in place. There are a number of things that can be done to prevent CLABSI, including:

• Good hand hygiene: This is the single most important thing that can be done to prevent CLABSI. Healthcare workers should wash their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub before and after touching a CVC.
• Chlorhexidine skin preparation: Chlorhexidine is a germ-killing antiseptic that can be used to clean the skin before inserting a CVC