Final answer:
Central line infections can be caused by the improper management of central venous catheters, such as not following aseptic techniques, inadequate cleaning, and allowing biofilm formation by bacteria like Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The equipment that can cause central line infections includes central venous catheters, which are tubes placed into a patient's large vein, typically in the neck, chest, arm, or groin. Central line infections, also known as bloodstream infections, can be serious and sometimes fatal. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that improper management, such as not following a strict aseptic technique during insertion or care of the central line, could lead to these infections. This includes improper hand hygiene, not using full-barrier precautions during the insertion, not cleaning the skin with an effective antiseptic, not ensuring that the skin prep agent has dried completely before insertion, and not replacing the dressing when it becomes damp, dirty, or loosened. In addition, the presence of medical devices increases the risk of infections as they can be sites for biofilm formation by pathogens such as Staphylococcus epidermidis. These bacteria are capable of forming a biofilm, a layer of microorganisms that adhere to the surface of the catheter, making the infection difficult to treat even with susceptible antibiotics.
Improper management of central lines can also include suboptimal care practices after insertion, such as inadequate cleaning of the line before accessing it for medication administration or infusion, infrequent line changes, or leaving the catheter in place longer than necessary. All of these lapses in care can contribute to the increased risk of an infection, ultimately leading to complications like prolonged illness, additional surgeries, or even death.