Final answer:
Administration of medication through central venous access devices is crucial for long-term treatments, yet carries the risk of severe bloodstream infections. The WHO underscores the importance of infection prevention, and following established protocols can reduce the incidence of infections. Pain management and proper procedural steps are vital for patient safety and care.
Step-by-step explanation:
The administration of medication through tunneled central venous access devices is a critical component of healthcare, especially for patients requiring long-term treatment, such as those undergoing chemotherapy. These devices are beneficial as they allow direct delivery of drugs into the bloodstream, typically resulting in higher plasma levels than oral or intramuscular routes. However, they come with the risk of bloodstream infections, which can be severe and lead to adverse outcomes, as observed in the case of Barbara with metastatic inflammatory breast cancer. The World Health Organization has highlighted the importance of preventing these infections to save lives, and protocols like those suggested by Dr. Peter Pronovost are essential for reducing human error and the resultant infections in ICU patients.
For children, proper pain management during procedures like venipuncture is crucial, and scales like the Wong-Baker Faces Scale can aid in assessing discomfort. In cases where a risk of significant blood loss exists, ensuring appropriate access and availability of fluids is imperative, just as it is in managing conditions like hydrocephalus through the implantation of devices such as shunts. Ultimately, meticulous attention to infection control practices is vital in providing safe and effective care to patients with central venous catheters.