Central Line Complications
Accidental pulls | Damage | Blockage | Air in the bloodstream | C-line safety | Tips
The majority of children with central lines -- commonly called C-lines -- do not have problems with their lines. You can help your child avoid problems with his/her C-line by following a few simple guidelines.
Accidental pulls to the C-line
Follow these guidelines if your child complains that the C-line has had a pull.
- First, observe the dressing carefully.
- Check to make sure that the dressing is not loose. If there is any drainage on the dressing (clear or bloody) put pressure on the dressing.
- If the C-line appears to extend out from under the dressing farther than usual, or if there is a large amount of bleeding, call your child's doctor or emergency room immediately.
- If your child exhibits any shortness of breath, chest pain or bleeding, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
- Place your child on his/her left side and apply pressure at his/her C-line exit site.
Damage to the C-line
Signs of damage to the C-line include a moist or bloody dressing, moisture on the tubing or child's clothing or a visible hole or tear in the C-line. Follow these guidelines if there is a suspected hole in the C-line.
- Use the clamps on the C-line to clamp above the hole.
- If the hole is above where the clamps on the C-line can reach, use your hemostats to clamp the C-line.
- If hemostats are not available, the C-line can be folded or bent to pinch it off with a rubber band.
- Contact your child's doctor or emergency room immediately. The C-line will need to be repaired as soon as possible.
Blockage of the C-line
If blood backs up into the C-line or if it is not flushed regularly, the inner lumen of the C-line can clot off. Blockage can also occur from the mixing of certain solutions in the C-line. Keep these things in mind when checking for C-line blockage.
- The C-line may be blocked if you feel pressure when trying to flush the C-line, or if solution will not run through the C-line and the tubing is not kinked.
- It is possible with a double lumen C-line for only one lumen to clot off.
- Never forcefully flush the C-line. Always check that the tubing is not pinched off or clamped before you try to flush the C-line.
- If you still cannot flush the C-line, call your child's doctor or emergency room immediately. An attempt to unclog the C-line may be attempted with the doctor's approval.
Air in the bloodstream
Air may enter the bloodstream if the cap is removed from the end of the unclamped C-line or if there is a hole or cut in the tubing. Although this is very rare, it is an emergency which requires immediate attention. In the event this happens, follow the guidelines below.
- Immediately clamp or pinch off the catheter.
- Turn the child so that he/she is lying on his/her heart side.
- Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
C-line safety
- Always keep the ends of the C-line pinned to a tape flap on the chest or securely pinned to your child's shirt. This will prevent the C-line from getting caught on clothing or accidentally pulled.
- Parents of infants frequently use a one-piece undershirt that snaps between the legs and pin the C-line to the shirt. There is also a lightweight tubular dressing that can be cut in size to secure C-lines of different sized children.
- A child with a C-line is not allowed to participate in contact sports such as baseball, football, soccer, volleyball, wrestling or basketball. A direct blow to the chest can damage the C-line. Because of the risk of infection, swimming is not allowed.
Tips
- It is important for your child to be treated as normally as possible to promote healthy relationships with his/her peers. Some physical activities may be all right for your child and will depend on his/her individual needs and physical condition. You may want to check into ways of keeping your child active with his/her teammates, such as scorekeeper for the team, equipment manager or team photographer.
- Discuss your concerns with your child's doctor and nurse. It is important that your child go through therapy while keeping as normal a life style as possible.
Use the list below to keep track of important names and phone numbers. Post this information by the phone for easy access.
My Child's Doctor:
___________________________________
My Child's Home Care Nurse:
___________________________________
My Local Life Squad:
___________________________________
Hospital Emergency Room:
____________________________________
Related Services
Home Health Care
Caring for Students with a Central Line
Patient Education Program II 2068 1/92
Revised 7/94, 2/96,10/98
