Central Venous Catheter Insertion (Assist)
PREREQUISITE NURSING KNOWLEDGE
• Knowledge of the normal anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system is needed.
• Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the vasculature and adjacent structures of the neck, groin, and arm is necessary.
• Basic dysrhythmia interpretation should be understood.
• Understanding of aseptic technique is necessary. Prevention of infection is a significant concern for patients with indwelling catheters.
• Advanced cardiac life support knowledge and skills are needed.
• Indications for a central venous catheter include the following4,7:
Hypotension after major surgery
Right ventricular ischemia or infarction
Administration of total parenteral nutrition or other hyperosmolar solutions
Lack of peripheral venous access
Assessment of hypovolemia or hypervolemia
Monitoring of central venous catheter (CVC) pressure
Long-term infusion of medications
• Relative contraindications of CVC insertion include the following4,7:
Presence of a permanent pacemaker
Obstruction of the superior or inferior vena cava, innominate vein, subclavian veins, or internal jugular veins
• The central venous pressure (CVP) provides information regarding right heart filling pressures and right ventricular function and volume.
• The CVP historically was measured with a water manometer system but now is measured with a single-pressure transducer system (see Procedures 70 and 76).
• The CVP waveform is identical to the right atrial pressure (RAP) waveform.
• The normal CVP value is 2 to 6 mm Hg.
• Electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring is essential in determination of accurate interpretation of the CVP value.
• Understanding of a, c, and v waves is necessary. The a wave reflects right atrial contraction, the c wave reflects closure of the tricuspid valve, and the v wave reflects right atrial filling during ventricular systole (see Figs. 70-1 and 73-7).
• Dysrhythmias may alter CVP or RAP waveforms.
• The risk for a pneumothorax is minimized with use of an internal jugular vein. The preferred site for catheter insertion is the right internal jugular vein. The right internal jugular vein is a “straight shot” to the right atrium.