Central Line In Health Care

Central Line, Adult

A central line is a soft, flexible tube (catheter) that is used to give medicine or nutrition through a person’s veins. The tip of the central line ends in a large vein (vena cava) just above the person’s heart. Medicine given through the central line is quickly mixed with blood because the blood flow within this large vein is so great. This dilutes the medicine so it is swiftly delivered throughout the body.

A central line may be placed because:

You need medicine that would be irritating to the small veins in your hands or arms.

You need long-term IV medicines, such as antibiotics.

You need nutrition delivered through a central line.

You have veins in your hands or arms that are difficult to access.
Keep the insertion site of your central line clean at all times.

Wash your hands and clean the central line hub with rubbing alcohol before you flush it.

If the central line accidentally gets pulled on, make sure that the dressing is okay, that there is no bleeding, and that the line has not been pulled out.

Limit lifting, using your arm, or performing other activity as directed by your health care provider.

Swim or bathe only if your health care provider approves. Your health care provider can instruct you on how to keep your specific type of dressing from getting wet.

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:

You have more redness, swelling, or pain around your incision.

You have more fluid or blood coming from your incision.

Your incision feels warm to the touch.

You have pus or a bad smell coming from your incision.

You have a fever.

SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF:

You have chills.

You have a fever.

You have shortness of breath.

You have trouble breathing.

You have chest pain.

You feel your heart beating rapidly or "skipping" beats.

You feel dizzy or