ACVNU key terms

A set of practices that prevent contamination of a sterile area or invasive device by microorganisms, including hand hygiene, sterile barriers, and disinfection of access points.

The presence of viable bacteria or fungi in the bloodstream, which may be primary or secondary, and is a serious complication of vascular access devices.

A bloodstream infection in a patient with a central venous catheter where the catheter is the source, confirmed by quantitative cultures or differential time to positivity.

A group of evidence-based practices for central venous catheter insertion and maintenance-hand hygiene, maximal sterile barriers, chlorhexidine skin antisepsis, optimal site selection, and daily review of necessity-that reduce infection risk.

A catheter whose tip terminates in the superior vena cava or right atrium, inserted via the internal jugular, subclavian, or femoral vein, used for hemodynamic monitoring, medication administration, and dialysis.

An antiseptic solution commonly used for skin preparation before vascular access procedures, effective against a broad range of bacteria and fungi with residual activity.

Formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, often in the legs, which can complicate central venous catheters and may lead to pulmonary embolism.

The scheduled or as-needed replacement of a catheter site dressing to maintain a clean, dry, and intact barrier, typically using sterile technique and observing the site for signs of infection.

Leakage of intravenously administered fluid or medication into surrounding tissues, which can cause pain, tissue damage, and necrosis.

A vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the liver to the inferior vena cava; knowledge of its anatomy is important when interpreting central venous catheter tip position and avoiding misplacement.

The large vein that returns blood from the lower body to the right atrium; its size and respiratory variation on ultrasound can help assess volume status.

Inadvertent administration of a non-vesicant solution into surrounding tissue rather than the vein, causing swelling and discomfort but generally less tissue damage than extravasation.

A major vein in the neck that is a common site for central venous catheter insertion; its superficial location and relationship to the carotid artery make ultrasound guidance useful.

The use of a cap, mask, sterile gown, sterile gloves, and a full-body sterile drape during central venous catheter insertion to minimize contamination.

Blockage of a catheter lumen by a clot, precipitate, or mechanical kink, preventing infusion or blood aspiration.

A central venous catheter inserted through a peripheral vein (usually in the arm) with the tip terminating in the lower superior vena cava or cavoatrial junction.

Inflammation of a vein, often related to catheter insertion or infusion, characterized by pain, redness, warmth, and swelling along the vein.

Accumulation of air in the pleural space, a potential complication of central venous catheter insertion (especially subclavian approach) that can cause respiratory distress.

A noninvasive method to estimate arterial oxygen saturation by measuring light absorption of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin, useful in monitoring patients with vascular access devices.

Cleaning the skin at a catheter insertion or access site with an antiseptic solution and allowing it to dry before puncture or manipulation to reduce microbial burden.

A large vein that passes under the clavicle and joins the internal jugular vein to form the brachiocephalic vein; a common site for central venous catheter placement but with higher risk of pneumothorax.

The large vein that returns blood from the upper body to the right atrium; the ideal tip location for most central venous catheters.

Formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel or on a catheter surface, which can lead to occlusion, embolism, or infection.

The location of the distal end of a central venous catheter, ideally at the cavoatrial junction or lower superior vena cava, confirmed by imaging to avoid complications.

A device that converts one form of energy to another, such as a pressure transducer that converts intravascular pressure into an electrical signal for monitoring.

The use of real-time ultrasound imaging to visualize veins and guide needle insertion, improving success rates and reducing complications during vascular access.

The degree to which a blood vessel collapses under gentle ultrasound probe pressure; veins are typically more compressible than arteries, aiding identification.

Regular measurement of temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation to detect changes in a patient's condition, including complications related to vascular access.

The determination of arterial blood pressure using noninvasive (cuff) or invasive (arterial line) methods, important for assessing hemodynamic status and guiding therapy.

The continuous or intermittent assessment of cardiovascular parameters such as blood pressure, central venous pressure, and cardiac output to guide patient management.

The process of calibrating a pressure monitoring system to a reference point (usually the phlebostatic axis) to ensure accurate pressure readings.

Clinical evaluation of a patient's intravascular volume using physical examination, vital signs, and ultrasound (e.g., IVC collapsibility) to guide fluid therapy.

The state of a catheter being open and unobstructed, allowing free flow of fluids and blood aspiration; maintained by flushing and proper locking techniques.

The injection of sterile saline (and sometimes heparin) into a catheter to maintain patency and prevent mixing of incompatible medications.

Blockage of a pulmonary artery by a blood clot that has traveled from a deep vein, a potential complication of catheter-related thrombosis.

The process of obtaining a patient's voluntary agreement to a procedure after explaining its risks, benefits, and alternatives, ensuring understanding and respecting autonomy.

The accurate and timely recording of patient assessments, procedures, and outcomes in the medical record, serving as a legal and clinical communication tool.

Providing information to patients about their condition, treatments, and self-care to promote informed decision-making and adherence to care plans.