What are Possible Problems with a Central Line?
- Infection
- Blocked or clotted line
- Central line dislodged
- Hole or tear in central line
- Air in bloodstream
How Do You Identify Signs of a Problem with a Central Line?
A skin infection at the central line site is possible if there is:
- Redness
- Drainage
- Pain
- Swelling
- Warmth
A bloodstream infection is possible if your child has:
- Fever
- Chills
- Sweating
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- A sick feeling
Blood can clot inside the tubing and cause a blocked or clotted central line. You would know there is a blockage if:
- The central line becomes very hard to flush or you cannot flush it at all
- An IV solution will not go in through the central line
- A pull or tug on the central line could dislodge the line. It could also cause damage to the central line.
It is possible to get a hole or tear in the central line. You may be able to see the hole or tear. There could also be damage that you cannot see. Signs of damage:
- Wetness under the central line dressing or along the tubing
- An area of bulging on the central line
- A pink area on the central line that does not clear with flushing
- Puffiness or swelling on the skin near the central line
Air in the bloodstream is very rare. But it could happen if the cap came off the end of a central line that is not clamped. It could also happen if there was a cut or tear in the central line. It takes a large amount of air in the bloodstream to cause a problem. If air gets into the bloodstream, your child could have:
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Coughing
What Do You Do if There Is a Problem with a Central Line?
Call the doctor or nurse if your child has:
- A fever
- Chills, sweating, drowsiness and feels sick
- Trouble breathing or chest pain
- Any redness, swelling, pain or drainage around the central line
- Feeling that something isn’t right in the chest area
- Bulging area on central line or wetness under dressing
How Do You Prevent Problems with a Central Line?
- Wash your hands before doing any central line care and wear gloves.
- Always keep a clean and dry dressing over the central line site.
- Follow the instructions for cleaning the cap and using sterile equipment.
- Avoid tugs or pulls on the central line. Take extra care when removing clothing to avoid a pull or tug.
- Secure the central line to your child’s body with the clips. For younger children, use one-piece outfits to cover the central line.
- Always keep scissors and all sharp objects away from the central line.
- If the central line is hard to flush, do not try to force it.