What is intravenous line infection?

An IV line creates a small hole in your skin. There is a risk that bacteria will travel along the tube and into your body. Information: IV lines are useful but can cause problems. They can become blocked, leak fluid into the skin and cause infection.

What is an IV catheter embolism?

Air embolism: Air embolism is defined as an unintended venous administration of air through an intravenous access device or insertion site. It is usually associated with central venous catheters but can also occur with peripheral intravenous central catheters and less commonly with short peripheral catheters.

Why are patients receiving IV therapy more risk of infection?

Any breach in the integrity of the skin, caused by wounds, incisions, or the use of penetrating devices such as intravascular catheters, can act as a portal for access to normally sterile tissues by micro-organisms and thereby predispose the patient to infection.

How do I know if my IV site is infected?

You have signs of infection, such as:

  1. Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  2. Red streaks leading from the area.
  3. Pus draining from the area.
  4. A fever.

Can a cannula get infected?

Infection: the procedure is carried out using an aseptic technique but there are still risks of the cannula becoming infected – this may be local infection on the skin or a more general bloodstream infection.

Can central line cause infection?

The central line is often used to draw blood, or to give critically ill patients fluids and medications more easily. The line can be left in place for several weeks or months if needed. Sometimes, bacteria or other germs can enter the patient’s central line and enter their bloodstream. This can cause an infection.

What is the most common complication associated with cannulation of the internal jugular vein in the neck?

The most common complication following placement of the internal jugular vein via the neck is a puncture of the carotid artery. Pneumothorax can occur if the needle is penetrated deep into the neck. However, the risk is lower when compared to subclavian access. In rare cases, the vagus nerve may also suffer injury.

Can cannula cause death?

Following the attempted placement of a cannula in the left internal jugular vein, extravasation of blood products via the cannula resulted in haemothorax, hypotension and eventual brain death. Possible causes and strategies for prevention of this complication are discussed.

How do you treat an IV infection?

Treatment of i.v.-line infection involves removal of the i.v. line/device. Empiric antibiotic therapy directed against gram-positive cocci/aerobc gram-negative bacilli is usually started after blood cultures have been obtained and the removed catheter tip sent for semiquantitative culture.

How do you treat a swollen cannula?

Some possible treatments are:

  1. Elevate the site as much as possible to help reduce swelling.
  2. Apply a warm or cold compress (depending on the fluid) for 30 minutes every 2-3 hours to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
  3. Medication-If recommended, medicine for extravasations is given within 24 hours for best effect.