Disciplines
Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Anatomy | Medical Sciences | Nursing
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Abstract
Central line associated blood stream infections, better known as CLASBIs, are a prominent problem in the hospital setting. Due to the direct connection between the blood stream and the outside world, these catheters are at great risk for growing infections that can spread to the bloodstream within hours. Research has been done on how compliant registered nurses are in regards to keeping these catheters sterile. A survey was conducted on one hundred and seventy-one nurses that concluded only seventy percent of the nurses were compliant in following the proper central line protocol. Another study was performed that introduced five ways nurses can prevent central line associated blood stream infections such as using chlorhexidine antiseptic to clean the site, frequent reevaluation to determine how needed the line is, and most importantly, hand hygiene. Research showed that proper hand washing was the biggest contributor in lowering these infections in the hospital setting. On the less clinical side, the management of nurses in regards to this problem has been studied as well. A study done on a medical surgical unit showed that having weekly rounds aided in the proper care of these patients’ central lines, too. The entire care team working together will allow everyone, including the patient, to reassess the need for the central line, have clear documentation on when the dressing was last changed, and check for sterile caps on the port. Sterile caps, most often known as Curos caps, are a great way for nurses to ensure sterility, as well. These are small caps that screw onto the end of the catheter that keep a tight, sterile seal on the hub of the tubing. All of these procedures can contribute to a decrease prominence of CLASBIs in the hospital setting and should be standard protocol nationwide.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
Wellstar School of Nursing
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Christie Emerson
Additional Faculty
Courtney Thompson
cthom518@kennesaw.edu
Included in
Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons, Anatomy Commons, Medical Sciences Commons, Nursing Commons
Preventing CLABSI in Bedside Nursing
Abstract
Central line associated blood stream infections, better known as CLASBIs, are a prominent problem in the hospital setting. Due to the direct connection between the blood stream and the outside world, these catheters are at great risk for growing infections that can spread to the bloodstream within hours. Research has been done on how compliant registered nurses are in regards to keeping these catheters sterile. A survey was conducted on one hundred and seventy-one nurses that concluded only seventy percent of the nurses were compliant in following the proper central line protocol. Another study was performed that introduced five ways nurses can prevent central line associated blood stream infections such as using chlorhexidine antiseptic to clean the site, frequent reevaluation to determine how needed the line is, and most importantly, hand hygiene. Research showed that proper hand washing was the biggest contributor in lowering these infections in the hospital setting. On the less clinical side, the management of nurses in regards to this problem has been studied as well. A study done on a medical surgical unit showed that having weekly rounds aided in the proper care of these patients’ central lines, too. The entire care team working together will allow everyone, including the patient, to reassess the need for the central line, have clear documentation on when the dressing was last changed, and check for sterile caps on the port. Sterile caps, most often known as Curos caps, are a great way for nurses to ensure sterility, as well. These are small caps that screw onto the end of the catheter that keep a tight, sterile seal on the hub of the tubing. All of these procedures can contribute to a decrease prominence of CLASBIs in the hospital setting and should be standard protocol nationwide.