CARE OF CVP LINE

Description:

CVP refers to the measurement of right atrial pressure or the pressure of the great veins

within the thorax.

o Right-sided cardiac function is assessed through the evaluation of the

CVP

o Left-sided heart function is less accurately reflected by the evaluation of

CVP but may be useful in assessing chronic right- and left-sided heart

failure and differentiating right and left ventricular infarctions.

Nurses responsibility:

Care of CVP line.

1. Prevent and observe for complications.

- From catheter insertion: Pneumothorax, hemothorax, air embolism,

hematoma, and cardiac tamponade

- From indwelling catheter: Infection, air embolism, central venous

thrombosis

2. Make sure the cap is secure on the end of the CVP monitor and all clamps are

closed when not in use.

3. If air embolism is suspected, immediately place patient in left lateral

Trendelenburg's position and administer oxygen.

 4. Carry out ongoing nursing surveillance of the insertion site and maintain aseptic

technique.

5. When discontinued, remove central line

- Position patient flat with head down

- Remove dressing and sutures

- Have patient take a deep breath and hold it while catheter is gently pulled

out.

- Apply pressure at catheter site and apply dressing.

- Monitor site and vital signs for signs of bleeding or hematoma formation.

Bibliography:

 Nettina, Sandra M.; Mills, Elizabeth Jacqueline(2006), Lippincott Manual of

Nursing Practice, 8th Edition Lippincott Williams & Wilkins,

Philadelphia. Page no: 338-342.

 Clochesy .J.M., Brew .C, et al., (1993), “Critical care nursing”, Philadelphia: W.B.
Saunders Company, Pp.742-745

 Fauci .A.S, Braunwald .E, et.al. (Ds.), (2001), “Harrison’s principles of internal
Medicine” - II, 15th edition, New York: McGraw Hill, Pp1067-174. .

 Suzanne. C.et.al., (2004),”Medical surgical nursing”, 10 th edition, Lippincott

Williams and wilkins, p.no: 677- 679.

 Black .J.M. & Hawks .J.H, (2004), “Medical surgical nursing”, 7 th edition, New
Delhi: Elsevier publication, Pp.1628-1632 .