Knowledge and attitudes of icu nurses about central venous catheter infections

In this study, it was aimed to determine the knowledge and attitudes of ICU nurses regarding central venous catheter infection. For this purpose, a survey study was conducted on 100 nurses working in 8 intensive care units of Aydın State Hospital to measure their knowledge and attitudes about central venous catheter infection. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 program. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistical methods, Chi-square and Kruskal Wallis tests. As a result of this study; it has been determined that nurses use the central venous catheter in drug applications that will affect the vascular wall, which is the best subject for information, they know the location of central venous catheter application, the placement of multi-lumen catheters allows multiple interventions and increases the risk of infection. It was determined that they used concealing dressings, catheter entry dressing and dressings at certain intervals, and they paid attention to aseptic techniques and to hand hygiene. Most nurses have stated that they do not dress with gauze if there is bleeding fluid accumulation at the catheter entry point, whereas in cases such as bleeding from the catheter area, it is recommended that dressing with gauze for this area and this procedure is important for catheter infection. It has been determined that nurses aged 40 and under knew that gauze dressings should be changed every 2 days, and it may be thought that other nurses generally do not know these periods. It was determined that if the cover integrity deteriorates, loosens, gets wet, and visibly contaminates, the nurses who have graduated from undergraduate and graduate degrees have answered the question correctly. This shows that the application is more accurate as the education level increases. In our study, it was found that the nurses who received training on central venous catheter used> 0.5 chlorhexidine solution containing 70% alcohol in the skin antiseptic. This situation shows that the correct application is done more in nurses who are trained. It was found that most nurses used non-elastic roll bandages as catheter fixers. Information should be provided that the use of roll bandages is inappropriate. It is known by most nurses that daily catheter outer surface is wiped with antiseptic and reduces the burden of microorganism and also reduces colonization. This topic also suggests that there is no lack of information. The first blood sample should not be discarded during blood culture intake. Most nurses answered the information about using this blood for culture. It was determined that the joint was not cleaned with alcohol before taking the culture from the catheter. Lack of information is considered that these practices increase the risk of contamination. In the light of the results of our study, policies and procedures regarding central venous catheter infection and central venous catheter care should be prepared to reduce the rate of contamination in the light of the results of our study. We think that it is important to raise awareness by conducting routine trainings for nurses who use central venous catheters and care for them.