# N8 · Catheter Care and Infection Prevention

Aseptic handling and rapid recognition of infection are essential at every catheter encounter.

![Infographic: N8 · Catheter Care and Infection Prevention](https://urinenephrology.org/visual-reference/images/nursing-n08.png?v=20261003c)

## Assess the patient and site

At every session, ask about fever, chills, pain, and recent problems. Inspect the exit site, tunnel, dressing, catheter position, and integrity; compare any change with the documented baseline.

## Mask → clean → clamp → scrub

Use patient/staff masks and hand hygiene per protocol. Confirm clamps before removing caps. Scrub each hub using the approved product and full contact/drying time. Keep a clean field and never leave an uncapped lumen open to air.

## Verify the lock and dressing

Use the ordered lock and labeled lumen volume; follow product-specific aspiration instructions. Do not improvise lock strength or flush an aspirate-required lock into the patient. Replace a wet, soiled, loose, or compromised dressing under the catheter-care protocol.

## Rigors or fever → assess now

Rigors, fever, hypotension, or confusion during/after dialysis may signal bloodstream infection. Notify the clinician, activate urgent assessment if unstable, and obtain ordered cultures promptly when feasible. Cultures must not delay emergency sepsis treatment.

## Report malfunction or displacement

New leakage, exposed cuff, altered catheter length, tunnel tenderness, or persistent poor flow requires review. Do not force a resistant catheter or improvise a lock or thrombolytic outside the authorized protocol.

## Close the catheter plan

Document symptoms, site findings, dressing and lock used, blood-flow issues, cultures, and clinician response. Review the access life-plan and barriers to catheter removal without assuming every patient needs the same next access.

## Supporting evidence

- [Supporting guideline or source](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8486643/)

## Source lessons

- [N8 Catheter Care and Infection Bundle](https://urinenephrology.org/mastery/maintenance-hd/nursing/N8-Catheter-Care-and-Infection-Bundle.html)

Read alongside the full lessons; the findings and decisions shown here require the stated clinical context.