Nurses’ Performance Regarding Central Venous Catheters at Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Abstract

Intensive care units cater to neonates with severe and life-threatening illnesses, which require constant, close monitoring and support from specialist equipment and medications in order to ensure normal bodily functions. They are staffed by highly trained doctors and nurses who specialize in caring for critically ill neonates (Baker et al, 2010). Central venous catheterization is the introduction of a catheter into the vascular system with access to the central circulatory system. Central venous catheters (CVC) are indicated for fluid infusion, repletion of water and electrolytes, blood transfusions and draws(Emma et al, 2012). All catheters can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, but CVCs are known for occasionally causing Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis sepsis. The problem of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) have gained increasing attention in recent years. They cause a great deal of morbidity and deaths, and increase health care costs(Bodenham et al,2011).