How often should the dressing for a short-term device be changed if it's not soiled or wet?

How often should the dressing for a short-term device be changed if it's not soiled or wet?

• A. Every day
• B. Every 3 days
• C. Every week
• D. Every month

Answer: (C)

For a short-term central venous access device, the dressing must be changed regularly to prevent infection and maintain optimal site care. While daily changes might seem like a good idea for cleanliness, the standard practice is to change the dressing every week if it remains clean and dry. This frequency strikes a balance between maintaining a sterile environment and allowing the skin some time to breathe, thus reducing the risk of mechanical irritation or skin breakdown. Changing the dressing every day can lead to unnecessary trauma to the skin and increased risk of infection. Changing it too infrequently, such as every month, does not meet the standard care guidelines and increases the risk of complications, including infections. Therefore, a weekly dressing change is recommended as long as the site is clean and dry, making it the appropriate answer.

For a short-term central venous access device, the dressing must be changed regularly to prevent infection and maintain optimal site care. While daily changes might seem like a good idea for cleanliness, the standard practice is to change the dressing every week if it remains clean and dry. This frequency strikes a balance between maintaining a sterile environment and allowing the skin some time to breathe, thus reducing the risk of mechanical irritation or skin breakdown.

Changing the dressing every day can lead to unnecessary trauma to the skin and increased risk of infection. Changing it too infrequently, such as every month, does not meet the standard care guidelines and increases the risk of complications, including infections. Therefore, a weekly dressing change is recommended as long as the site is clean and dry, making it the appropriate answer.