Commonly performed for long term catheters where a portion of the central venous catheter (CVC) is placed beneath the skin, theoretically to decrease infection and secure the catheter reducing pistoning (movement back and forth that can draw in bacteria from the skin).
Letter: t
Tenderness, erythema, or site induration >2 cm from the catheter site along the subcutaneous tract of a tunneled catheter (e.g. Hickman or Broviac), in the absence of concomitant BSI.
Type of catheter used for venous access; long term, implanted into subclavian, internal jugular or femoral veins, medium risk for CRBSI [less than non-tunneled and more than peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line].
Cuff around a catheter that is tunneled through the subcutaneous tissue before entering the target blood vessel. Aid in stabilizing the catheter to prevent pistoning (shifting back and forth). Pistoning increases microbial access along the exterior of the catheter. Thus tunneled cuffed catheters reduce the risk of a CL infection.
Collective name given to the superior and middle nasal conchae of the ethmoid bone, and the paired inferior nasal conchae. The turbinates disrupt the airflow in the nasal cavity, creating turbulent flow, and causing heavier particulate matter to be removed Also moistens and warms the air headed for the trachea and lungs. SEE ethmoid bone; inferior nasal conchae.
An IgE-mediated immediate hypersensitivity reaction, characterized by contact urticaria (hives), angioedema, rhinitis, respiratory complications, drop in blood pressure and rapid heart rate that may potentially progress to anaphylaxis. Severe cases may be fatal. Examples include Type I allergies to the proteins in peanuts, penicillin, shell fish, natural rubber latex, etc. Symptoms appear within minutes to an hour.
Because mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, are more resistant to chemical disinfectants than are other vegetative bacteria, additional tests must be performed for a disinfectant to claim to be effective against the tuberculosis bacterium.
Suffix meaning higher than normal. (e.g., leukocytosis – higher white cell count than normal.
The total amount of air that can be held by the lungs with a maximal inspiratory effort (approximately 6 L); TLC consists of the vital capacity plus the residual volume. SEE lung volumes.
Intravenous delivery of all nutrients via a central catheter (see central venous access) into the vena cava. Used in patients with long term coma, severe burns, severe GI problems, or malabsorption syndromes.