Nursing observations of central venous catheters. The effect on patient outcome

The purpose of this descriptive study was to obtain information concerning rates of intravascular infection in patients with central lines and to identify the variables related to nursing care of these lines that may influence the development of systemic infection. The study was conducted at a large southern teaching hospital during a 6-week period. The sample for this study consisted of adult inpatients who underwent central-line insertions. The results suggested that careful nursing observations, combined with early recognition and intervention, can significantly influence a positive patient outcome.