What it means
A long catheterKATH-uh-terA thin, flexible tube put into the body to drain fluid out or to put fluid or drugs in.Full entry placed in a vein in the neck, chest, arm or groin, with its tip ending in the superior vena cava near the heart. Because the blood flow there is large, it can carry drugs that would harm small veins, such as some chemotherapy, total parenteral nutritionTOH-tul puh-REN-ter-ul noo-TRISH-unComplete nutrition given as a liquid straight into a vein instead of through the digestive tract.par- beside, beyondenter/o intestine-al relating toFull entry and vasopressors. Types include the PICC (put in through an arm vein), tunneled catheters and implanted ports.
For the nurse
A chest x-ray confirms the tip is in place before first use. Use strict sterile technique for dressing changes and scrub the hub before every access to prevent bloodstream infection. Clamp the line and position the client on the left side, head down, if an air embolism is suspected, and report it at once.
In a chart
"Right subclavian CVC, dressing dry and intact, dated; all lumens flush without resistance."
At a glance
| Abbreviations | CVC; CVAD (central venous access device); PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter); CLABSI (central line-associated bloodstream infection) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | catéter venoso central |
| Also written | central line, central lines, CVC, central venous line, central venous catheters, central catheter, central catheters |
Related terms
total parenteral nutrition
Complete nutrition given as a liquid straight into a vein instead of through the digestive tract.
IV
Intravenous: into a vein, or the tube placed in a vein to give fluids and drugs.
catheter
A thin, flexible tube put into the body to drain fluid out or to put fluid or drugs in.
infusion
The slow delivery of a fluid or drug into the body, usually into a vein, over a period of time.
vein
A blood vessel that carries blood back toward the heart.