What is the most critical nursing intervention for a patient with a central venous catheter?

Maintaining a sterile dressing over the catheter site is the most critical nursing intervention for a patient with a central venous catheter. This measure is essential for preventing infections, which are a significant risk associated with the use of central venous catheters. The catheter site is a direct entry point into the bloodstream, and any break in the sterile technique can introduce pathogens, leading to serious complications such as catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs).

While other interventions, such as changing the dressing regularly, monitoring for signs of infection, and flushing the catheter, are also important, the primary focus is ensuring that the catheter site remains uncontaminated. A sterile dressing limits the exposure of the site to environmental pathogens, thus playing a crucial role in infection prevention. By prioritizing the maintenance of a sterile dressing, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the risk of complications and ensure patient safety.