Information presented in this CD-ROM instructional program will assist the learner in understanding the purpose, function and nursing care required when caring for a client with a central venous catheter. Mastery of this program will enable the learner to:

• Understand the purpose of a central venous catheter.
• Differentiate between a short and long-term catheter.
• dentify when the principles of medical and surgical asepsis are utilized.
• Discuss the assessment required to detect infections.
• Understand the nursing responsibilities related to site assessment, care of the needle insertion site and replacement of intravenous tubing and injection caps.
• Describe the flushing protocol required to maintain lumen patency.