Sepsis case study question

[olaureno]

Hi there, I'm preparing for a simulation lab this week that may involve a patient developing sepsis. His orders indicate that he is due to have his CVC dc'd today. The area around the CVC site looks pink. Vitals and labs indicate the onset of sepsis and from what I've read it is best to have a CVC in place to administer treatment in such cases. Even though the CVC may have been the site of infection do we really want to remove it? I haven't been able to find anything that would shed light on the subject.

Thanks!

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

If there's a question of a line infection, treatment will usually be initiated through another access point (such as an IV) and the infected line will be removed. If central access is necessary, a temporary line like a PICC is preferred. If long term central access is still indicated, a new line will be placed after the infection has resolved.

[AliNajaCat]

You absolutely cannot clear an infection when there is infected hardware in the area; in this case, it's in the bloodstream. So yes, that catheter has got to go. it gets pulled, cultured, and replaced in a different site.