What it means
Describes a seal or a blockage. An occlusive dressing, such as a transparent film over an IV site or petroleum gauze, keeps air and water out and moisture in. Occlusive disease is a blockage of a vessel, as in peripheral artery occlusive disease. The noun is occlusion, as in the occlusion alarm on an IV pump that sounds when the line is blocked.
For the nurse
Keep a central line dressing occlusive: replace it when it is wet, loose or soiled, and follow the schedule for routine changes.
Related terms
central venous catheter
An IV catheter whose tip sits in a large vein near the heart, used for long-term drugs, fluids, nutrition or blood draws.
occlusion
A blockage or closing off of a passage, such as a blood vessel, tube or IV line.