In a patient with catheter-related infection signs, what is an appropriate nursing action?

• A. Notify clinician; obtain cultures if ordered; remove or replace the catheter per policy; institute infection-control precautions.
• B. Increase IV fluids and vitamins.
• C. Delay action until symptoms worsen.
• D. Change the catheter dressing only.

Answer: (D)

When there are signs of catheter-related infection, the priority is to control the infection source and obtain appropriate assessment data. Notify the clinician promptly, and follow policy to obtain cultures if ordered (typically blood cultures from peripheral and/or catheter site and catheter tip cultures as indicated). Remove or replace the catheter per policy to eliminate the infection source, and implement infection-control precautions to prevent transmission. Simply changing the dressing addresses only the exterior site and does not treat the infection or its source, and delaying deeper evaluation and catheter management can allow the infection to progress. Early culture data and source control guide targeted therapy and improve outcomes.