CLABSI Prevention

A central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is an NHSN surveillance event, not simply any fever in a person with a central line. It requires a laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection in an eligible inpatient with a central line in place for more than two consecutive calendar days, with the line present on the event date or the day before and no better infection source. At the bedside, clinicians investigate suspected catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI), which may be present before surveillance criteria are met. Either condition can progress to sepsis because the catheter provides direct access to the bloodstream. The central insight is that CLABSI is preventable through reliable, repeated execution of small steps rather than any single dramatic action. Maximal sterile barriers at insertion, meticulous hub disinfection, clean dressings, and daily review of whether the line is still needed together drive infection rates toward zero. Picture the bedside: you are the nurse caring for a patient with a tunneled central line who now has a fever, chills, and a tender insertion site. Which action takes priority? Recognize possible CRBSI, assess the site and...