Complications of central venous catheters: nursing care.

There are increasing numbers of patients, both at home and in the hospital, receiving intravenous therapy via long-term central venous catheters. Although fairly commonplace, there are many potential complications associated with the insertion and use of these catheters. This article describes the insertion and postinsertion-related complications of these devices. The article will give the nurse the information and confidence required for observing, detecting, preventing and/or treating promptly any complication to ensure the best possible nursing care.