What should you monitor for in a patient with a Central Venous Access Device (CVAD)?

What should you monitor for in a patient with a Central Venous Access Device (CVAD)?

• A. Signs of infection, thrombosis, and catheter occlusion
• B. Only signs of infection and catheter occlusion
• C. Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
• D. Patient's overall emotional state

Answer: (A)

Monitoring for signs of infection, thrombosis, and catheter occlusion is crucial for patients with a Central Venous Access Device (CVAD). These three factors are essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the device. Signs of infection can manifest as redness, swelling, and warmth at the insertion site or systemic symptoms such as fever and chills. Early detection of infection is vital to prevent serious complications, including sepsis. Thrombosis is another concern, as a CVAD can lead to blood clots that may obstruct the catheter and impede normal blood flow. This could hinder the delivery of medications or nutrients and increase the risk of complications. Catheter occlusion can occur for various reasons, such as a blood clot or kinking of the catheter. Monitoring for signs of occlusion, such as difficulty flushing or reduced blood return, is essential to maintain the functionality of the CVAD. Overall, consistent surveillance for these critical issues contributes to patient safety, ensuring that any complications are promptly identified and managed.

Monitoring for signs of infection, thrombosis, and catheter occlusion is crucial for patients with a Central Venous Access Device (CVAD). These three factors are essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the device.

Signs of infection can manifest as redness, swelling, and warmth at the insertion site or systemic symptoms such as fever and chills. Early detection of infection is vital to prevent serious complications, including sepsis.

Thrombosis is another concern, as a CVAD can lead to blood clots that may obstruct the catheter and impede normal blood flow. This could hinder the delivery of medications or nutrients and increase the risk of complications.

Catheter occlusion can occur for various reasons, such as a blood clot or kinking of the catheter. Monitoring for signs of occlusion, such as difficulty flushing or reduced blood return, is essential to maintain the functionality of the CVAD.

Overall, consistent surveillance for these critical issues contributes to patient safety, ensuring that any complications are promptly identified and managed.