Date of Graduation
5-2014
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Department
Nursing
Advisor/Mentor
Scott, Allison
Committee Member/Reader
Smith-Blair, Nancy J.
Committee Member/Second Reader
Gentry, Jacklyn
Abstract
Central venous catheters (CVCs) are inserted in order to administer fluids and medications. A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is a type of CVC. While beneficial, central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is a risk for patients having a CVC inserted. Antiseptics are used for skin preparation when inserting a central line to prevent infection and during maintenance of the central line. Currently, the Center for Disease Control recommends the use of chlorhexidine for central venous catheter insertion in patients two months of age or older. Studies have found reduced CLABSI rates with the use of chlorhexidine for CVC insertion and maintenance in neonates. Research has also found chlorhexidine to have a more substantial and longer lasting effect than povidone- iodine as an antiseptic. However, studies have also noted concerns related to skin irritation and burns in low weight neonates with the use of chlorhexidine. Additional research is needed to determine the efficacy of chlorhexidine in preventing CLABSI infections in the neonatal population. This study compared the CLABSI rate in a Northwest Arkansas neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with the use of povidone-iodine versus chlorhexidine as the antiseptic for PICC line maintenance. The study examined all neonates in the NICU who had a PICC line. The data was analyzed using a descriptive statistics examining CLABSI with the use of povidone-iodine versus chlorhexidine as the antiseptic. One CLABSI occurred during the povidone-iodine protocol. No infection occurred during the chlorhexidine protocol. Because of the small infection rate during the timeframe of this study, it was concluded that both antiseptics were effective at preventing CLABSI in neonates with PICCs. This study was limited in scope and timeframe therefore more extensive research could be conducted to further examine if the new chlorhexidine protocol is more effective at preventing CLABSI in the neonatal population with PICCs.
Citation
Blankenship, L. (2014). Is Chlorhexidine an Effective Antiseptic to Prevent CLABSI for PICC Line Maintenance in the Neonatal Population?. The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/nursuht/33
