APPLICATION OF NURSE-FOCUSED ALGORITHM IN INTENSIVE CARE UNITS TO PREVENT CENTRAL CATHETER-RELATED BLOODSTREAM İNFECTİONS

In the light of literature review and guidelines, intensive care nurses will care for central catheters through an algorithm created with infection control measures.

Nurse-focused algorithm content to prevent central catheter-related bloodstream infections Hand hygiene practice Use of personal protective equipment according to infection control measures Evaluation of the catheter insertion site in terms of redness, swelling, tenderness, discharge, bleeding Use of >0.5% chlorhexidine solution containing 70% alcohol for skin antisepsis at the catheter insertion site (if there is no chlorhexidine, povidone iodine + 70% alcohol solution is used) Changing the transparent, semi-permeable dressings every 5-7 days and gauze dressings every 48 hours for catheter dressing Catheter dressing with aseptic technique Use of sterile, preservative-free saline for flushing and locking in order to ensure the lumen of the catheter.

Aseptic conditions should be observed if the junction of the catheter and the infusion set (Hub) is to be touched.

Keeping the used triple taps closed Changing IV fluid sets and connection tools at appropriate times Daily assessment of CVC requirement The research will be carried out in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Level Intensive Care Units of Bilecik Training and Research Hospital in Bilecik, Turkey. Infection rates will be compared in the study. In the study, the date of June 2021 will be taken as a preliminary assessment and training time for nurses. July-September 2021 will be the intervention period of the study, and October-December 2021 will be the post-intervention period.