Which of the following procedures requires sterile technique?

Changing the dressing for a central line requires sterile technique due to the specific risks associated with central venous catheters. Central lines are typically inserted into large veins and can remain in place for extended periods. This creates an increased risk of infection, particularly bloodstream infections. A sterile technique is necessary to minimize the introduction of pathogens during the dressing change process, as any breach in sterility can lead to serious complications such as sepsis.

In contrast, while procedures like removing a peripheral vascular access device, suctioning an endotracheal tube, and inserting a nasogastric tube involve infection control measures, they do not universally require a sterile technique. For example, removing a peripheral vascular access device can often be performed using clean technique as the risk for infection is typically lower compared to that of a central line. Suctioning an endotracheal tube involves maintaining aseptic technique to prevent infection but does not require full sterile precautions like a central line dressing change. Inserting an NGT is performed with clean technique and does not necessitate the strict sterility required for central line care.

Therefore, the necessity of sterile technique during a central line dressing change is paramount in protecting the patient from potential healthcare-associated infections.