What is the most common complication of a central venous catheter (CVC)?
A) Air embolus
B) Infection
C) Thrombus formation
D) Pneumothorax

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Infection related to the use of central venous catheters (CVCs)is a major problem.The incidence of infection strongly correlates with the length of time the CVC has been inserted,with longer insertion times leading to a higher infection rate.The risk of air embolus,although uncommon,is always present for a patient with a central venous line in place.Air can enter during insertion through a disconnected or broken catheter by means of an open stopcock,or air can enter along the path of a removed CVC.Unfortunately,clot formation (thrombus)at the CVC site is common.Thrombus formation is not uniform; it may involve development of a fibrin sleeve around the catheter,or the thrombus may be attached directly to the vessel wall.Pneumothorax has a higher occurrence during placement of a CVC than during removal.

What Is the Most Common Complication of a Central Venous