Special Considerations
(continued)

Respiratory compromised patients are at greater risk, generally due to the inability to lay flat or in Trendelenberg position for catheter placement. Risk and benefit of catheter insertion should be assessed prior to insertion. Patients with known pneumothorax or chest injury should have CVC insertion on the affected side as not to cause possible damage to the other lung.

Restless or uncooperative patients may require sedation for catheter insertion. The risk of catheter placement to benefit should be considered. Post-insertion catheter compliance should also be considered.

Medically unstable patients require CVC placement for volume resuscitation. This patient population should be stabilized prior to catheter insertion, in an effort to eliminate or reduce procedure risk.


Go to Section 8:
Complications: Insertion and Post-Insertion