How should a CVAD-related bloodstream infection be managed?

How should a CVAD-related bloodstream infection be managed?

• A. Perform a blood transfusion immediately
• B. Remove the CVAD and start antibiotics
• C. Increase fluid intake significantly
• D. Delay action until symptoms worsen

Answer: (B)

Managing a CVAD-related bloodstream infection effectively is critical to ensuring patient safety and recovery. The correct approach involves the immediate removal of the central venous access device (CVAD) and starting appropriate antibiotics. This method addresses the primary issue of the infection by eliminating the potential source — the CVAD itself — which may harbor bacteria and introduce pathogens into the bloodstream. Prompt removal of the CVAD prevents further complications, such as septic shock or persistent bacteremia, and allows for assessment of the infection's severity. Once the CVAD is removed, antibiotics can be initiated based on culture results or started empirically if the patient is showing significant signs of infection. This dual approach not only clears the contaminated device but also targets the infection with the necessary antimicrobial treatment. In contrast, other options either fail to address the root of the problem or potentially exacerbate the patient's condition. For example, performing a blood transfusion is generally not a primary response to an infection and could lead to complications if the patient is already unstable. Increasing fluid intake alone is insufficient to manage an infection, as it does not eliminate the source or treat the underlying cause. Lastly, delaying action until symptoms worsen ignores the urgent need to intervene in the presence of a bloodstream infection, which can quickly become life

Managing a CVAD-related bloodstream infection effectively is critical to ensuring patient safety and recovery. The correct approach involves the immediate removal of the central venous access device (CVAD) and starting appropriate antibiotics. This method addresses the primary issue of the infection by eliminating the potential source — the CVAD itself — which may harbor bacteria and introduce pathogens into the bloodstream.

Prompt removal of the CVAD prevents further complications, such as septic shock or persistent bacteremia, and allows for assessment of the infection's severity. Once the CVAD is removed, antibiotics can be initiated based on culture results or started empirically if the patient is showing significant signs of infection. This dual approach not only clears the contaminated device but also targets the infection with the necessary antimicrobial treatment.

In contrast, other options either fail to address the root of the problem or potentially exacerbate the patient's condition. For example, performing a blood transfusion is generally not a primary response to an infection and could lead to complications if the patient is already unstable. Increasing fluid intake alone is insufficient to manage an infection, as it does not eliminate the source or treat the underlying cause. Lastly, delaying action until symptoms worsen ignores the urgent need to intervene in the presence of a bloodstream infection, which can quickly become life