Nursing care plan for central venous catheter

Introduction

Nursing care plan for central venous catheter is an evidence-based approach to identify individual patient needs, provide interventions to meet the identified needs, and evaluate their outcomes. It combines the nurse’s expertise and experience with their knowledge of the individual patient.

Assessment

Catheterization site: The exact location where a CVC is placed is key in order to reduce potential complications.

Blood flow rate: Blood flow rate through the catheter should be monitored regularly. Higher flow rates can affect the catheter's function over time and increase the risk of complications.

Tolerance to the catheter: The patient should be closely monitored for signs of infection or other complications associated with the catheter.

Lead: Lead cause by the catheter should be monitored for any changes that may signal a problem or infection.

Nursing diagnosis

Risk for Infection: The presence of a foreign object and disruption to the body's natural defenses put the patient at risk for infection.

Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity: The presence of a foreign object near the skin increases the risk for breakdown and damage to the skin integrity.

Ineffective Coping: The patient may experience feelings of anxiety or stress due to the presence of the catheter and may need help coping with these feelings.

Outcomes

The patient will demonstrate appropriate hygiene and care of the site: The patient will be able to demonstrate proper hygiene around the catheter site and will have the necessary supplies and resources to do so if needed.

The patient will report pain or discomfort to the health care provider: The patient will be able to identify any signs or symptoms of infection or other problems related to the catheter and will report them to the health care provider.

The patient will demonstrate the use of coping strategies: The patient will be able to demonstrate the use of effective coping strategies such as deep breathing and relaxation techniques to help manage stress.

Interventions

Inspect the CVC site: The nurse should inspect the catheter site regularly to identify any signs of infection or damage to the catheter.

Teach the patient about proper hygiene: The nurse should teach the patient about proper hygiene around the catheter site and the importance of keeping it clean.

Assess for signs of infection: The nurse should assess for signs of infection such as fever, redness or swelling at the site.

Encourage the patient to ask questions: The nurse should encourage the patient to ask questions about their care and to report any problems or concerns to the health care provider.

Rationales

To prevent infection: Inspection of the CVC site and teaching the patient proper hygiene can help to reduce the risk of infection.

To detect signs of infection early: Assessing for signs of infection can help to detect any problems early, which may reduce the risk of serious complications.

To ensure the patient is aware of their care: Encouraging the patient to ask questions and voice any concerns can help ensure they are aware of their care and willing to take an active role in it.

Evaluation

The patient is able to demonstrate proper care and hygiene for the CVC site: The patient is able to demonstrate that they understand the importance of proper hygiene and care for the catheter site.

The patient is able to identify signs of infection: The patient is able to identify signs of infection or other problems related to the catheter and reports them to the health care provider.

The patient is able to demonstrate effective coping strategies: The patient is able to demonstrate the use of effective coping strategies to help manage stress and anxiety.

Conclusion

A nursing care plan for a central venous catheter can help reduce potential complications and ensure the patient receives the highest quality of care. The nurse should assess the catheterized site, teach the patient proper hygiene, and assess for signs of infection. The nurse should also encourage the patient to ask questions and voice any concerns.

FAQs

• What is a central venous catheter?
  A central venous catheter (CVC) is a long, flexible tube used for administering medications and fluids, drawing blood, and measuring pressures inside the body.
• What is a nursing care plan?
  A nursing care plan is an evidence-based approach to identify individual patient needs, provide interventions to meet the identified needs, and evaluate their outcomes.
• What are some potential risks associated with a CVC?
  Potential risks associated with a CVC include infection, leakage of fluid or air, and damage to the vessel.
• What should be done to prevent infections?
  Inspection of the CVC site and teaching the patient proper hygiene can help to reduce the risk of infection.
• What should the patient do if there is pain or discomfort?
  The patient should report any pain or discomfort to the health care provider.