ICU Flashcards
1
Q
What is a central line?
A
catheter placed into major veins via subclavian, internal jugular or femoral vein
2
Q
Major complications of central lines
A
pneumothorax
bleeding
malposition
arrhythmia
3
Q
In long-term central lines, what does the cuff do?
A
allow ingrowth of fibrous tissue: holds line in place and forms barrier against bacteria
4
Q
What is a Hickman line?
A
External central line tunnelled under the skin with a cuff
5
Q
What is a port-a-cath?
A
central life that has a port buried under the skin that must be accessed percutaneously
6
Q
If a subclavian central line is unsuccessful, what must be done before trialling other side?
A
CXR
Bilat pneumothoraces could be fatal
7
Q
Signs of central line infection
A
unexplained hyperglycaemia
otherwise, signs of shock + pus/ erythema at site
