Central Lines Flashcards
when is a central line considered correctly placed?
when the distal tip of the catheter is at the junction of the superior vena cava and right atrium
8 indications for central line
- larger IV access to be able to administer fluids and/or blood at a more rapid rate
- allows IV access when peripheral IV attempts failed
- monitor central venous pressure
- insert a pulmonary artery (Swan Ganz catheter)
- administer certain meds that are contraindicated to administer peripherally
- temporary emergency hemodialysis
- place temporary transvenous pacing wires
- to aspirate an air embolism from the heart
3 LONGER TERM indications for central lines
- chemotherapy
- long term antibiotics
- total parenteral nutrition
8 complications of central lines
- infection
- venous stenosis
- accidental arterial puncture
- thrombosis
- pneumothorax
- transient arrhythmias during insertion
- nerve injury
- air embolism
4 signs and symptoms of air embolism
- sudden decrease in end tidal Co2
- sudden increase in end tidal nitrogen
- hypotension/tachycardia
- cyanosis
2 risk factors for development of air embolism
- pt can develop an air embolism during central line placement
- pt can develop an air embolism if the surgical site is above the level of the heart
best method for detecting venous air embolism
TEE
and air embolism is indicated by what?
sporadic roaring sounds
what is the most appropriate method of confirming a venous air embolism in a field avoidance (craniotomy) case?
precordial doppler
6 steps to treating an air embolism
- flood the surgical field with saline
- deliver 100% oxygen
- place pt in left lateral trendelenburg and aspirate the air through a central line port
- give volume to increase central venous pressure
- start a central line and aspirate the air out
- support the patient’s blood pressure
List the veins with the easiest path to the SVC in order
- right IJ
- left subclavian
- Left IJ
- right subclavian
- right and left EJ
the most superficial out of all the central veins
external jugular vein
how is the EJ accessed?
regular IV catheter
2 advantages of IJ
- good visualization with ultrasound
2. the right IJ provides the easiest catheter pathway to the right atrium
4 IJ disadvantages
- close proximity to the carotid artery
- significant risk of infection
- risk of pneumothorax
- uncomfortable to the pt
lowest infection rate and least restricting site
subclavian vein
4 disadvantages to the subclavian
- ultrasound guidance does not provide as much benefit
- this approach carries highest risk of pneumothorax
- bleeding is difficult to control
- pinch off phenomenon or pinch off syndrome is possible
risk of arterial puncture, infection, and venous thromboembolism are highest with this approach
femoral vein
4 risks unique to the femoral approach
- femoral artery puncture
- femoral nerve injury
- bladder perforation
- peritoneal perforation
clinical term that refers to the amount of venous blood returning to the heart (right atrium)
venous return