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Bloodstream Explosion

Decent Essays

The Impact of Alcohol Port Protector Caps on Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections Central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) is the second leading cause of death from healthcare acquired infection in the US (Boubekri, 2013), contributing to a high mortality rate of 12%-25% (CDC, 2011), and they are costly to treat, averaging more than $45,000 per case (Kaler, 2014). The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) stops reimbursing providers for the care and treatment of CLABSIs while patient was under their care because these are potentially considered preventable events through the use of evidence-based practices (Saladow, 2010). At the Cardiovascular Step down (CVSD) unit, almost all of the patients who were coming …show more content…

Evidence based practice says, 15 seconds of exposure to 70% alcohol applied with friction followed by a 30-60 second dry time is effective to disinfect an access port contaminated with high levels of bacteria (Kaler, 2014). This full 15 second method of disinfection with alcohol wipes before and after use, is known as the “scrub the hub” protocol. It is the standard of practice for more than a decade. The “scrub the hub” protocol is effective when followed. Although efficient when done properly, it is unrealistic and often inconsistently carried out especially in a busy and time-constraint environment. In addition, it does not provide means for compliance auditing. Proper catheter hub disinfection is difficult to monitor accurately especially if nursing staff know that they are not being …show more content…

The vibrant green color helps for easy visibility, 4) Educating staff by conducting in-service trainings regarding the overall benefits of using Curos, and 5) Educating patients and family members regarding the role of Curos port protectors and taking an active role in reminding staff to keep the access port properly covered and

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