central line procedure, discontinuing

[opelo]

I am not sure if this is where I post. Would like to hear specifically on how some other hospitals have their procedures read in terms of discontinuing a central line, eg subclavian. Do most of you apply an occlusive dressing? Please comment.

[steelydanfan]

I will NEVER forget the story I read in NURSING 2000 about the RN who was dc'ing a central line, and while beginning to apply a gauze dressing to the site, told a joke to her pt.

The pt. laughed, immediately turned blue, coded, and died.

The cause of death was found to be air embolus.

I ALWAYS hold pressure for 5 minutes, and apply an occlusive dressing as soon as I remove that gauze.

No bleeding seen doesn't mean total occlusion. It just means you can't see it.

[jmgrn65, RN]

I will NEVER forget the story I read in NURSING 2000 about the RN who was dc'ing a central line, and while beginning to apply a gauze dressing to the site, told a joke to her pt.

The pt. laughed, immediately turned blue, coded, and died.

The cause of death was found to be air embolus.

I ALWAYS hold pressure for 5 minutes, and apply an occlusive dressing as soon as I remove that gauze.

No bleeding seen doesn't mean total occlusion. It just means you can't see it.

That would be scary.

[hrtprncss]

Do you guys routinely culture tips all the time when discontinuing central lines?

[jmgrn65, RN]

Do you guys routinely culture tips all the time when discontinuing central lines?

we do not routinely c/s tips only if suspected infection.

[evans_c1]

I was actually taught in school to put them in slight trendelenburg when dc'ing a central line. I was also taught to use petroleum drsg. however, our hospital policy says a 2x2.