Before beginning the procedure, check the orders in the chart for the latest dressing change. Always check your facility’s policy and procedure for a central line dressing change.
Gather the necessary equipment including sterile gloves, a new exclusive dressing, and sterile swabs with chlorhexidine or iodine. You can also use a catheter stabilizer.
Wash your hands. Set up your equipment at the bed side. Check the patient’s ID and ask their name. Explain the procedure.
Position the client flat on his back and have him turned his head away. Mask the patient if necessary.
With clean gloves, gently bring edges of the dressing towards the insert inside without pulling on the catheter. Remove and discard the old dressing. Inspect the insertion site for any signs of infection, infiltration or inflammation and note the length of the exposed catheter.
Clean the insert inside, the sutures and the catheter three times using sterile technique working from the insert inside upward in a circular motion, discarding the swab each time and allow the solution to dry.
Cover the site with the sterile transparent dressing. It is very important that the dressing be completely intact as any wrinkle could be a vehicle for allowing bacteria to the catheter insert inside.
Label the dressing with the date and initials. Discard the equipment and gloves. Wash your hands and document the dressing change including the condition of the site.
