What is the primary purpose of performing a dressing change for a CVAD?

What is the primary purpose of performing a dressing change for a CVAD?

• A. To enhance the appearance of the site
• B. To maintain sterility and prevent infection
• C. To make it easier to access the catheter
• D. To allow for smooth operation

Answer: (B)

The primary purpose of performing a dressing change for a Central Venous Access Device (CVAD) is to maintain sterility and prevent infection. Maintaining a sterile environment around the insertion site is critical in reducing the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections, which can be serious complications for patients with CVADs. Regular dressing changes help to keep the site clean, allow for assessment of the insertion site for any signs of infection or complications, and ensure that the dressing remains intact and effectively protects the area from contamination. While enhancing the appearance of the site or making it easier to access the catheter may be secondary considerations, they do not address the essential need to keep the site free of pathogens. Similarly, the operation of the catheter itself is less relevant to the procedure of dressing changes, as the focus should primarily be on infection prevention and maintaining proper hygiene.

The primary purpose of performing a dressing change for a Central Venous Access Device (CVAD) is to maintain sterility and prevent infection. Maintaining a sterile environment around the insertion site is critical in reducing the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections, which can be serious complications for patients with CVADs. Regular dressing changes help to keep the site clean, allow for assessment of the insertion site for any signs of infection or complications, and ensure that the dressing remains intact and effectively protects the area from contamination.

While enhancing the appearance of the site or making it easier to access the catheter may be secondary considerations, they do not address the essential need to keep the site free of pathogens. Similarly, the operation of the catheter itself is less relevant to the procedure of dressing changes, as the focus should primarily be on infection prevention and maintaining proper hygiene.