Knowledge and practices of central venous catheter care by nursing staff

Abstract

Invasive methods are essential in the management of critically ill patients, and nurses play a key role in caring for these devices to prevent infections and ensure their functionality. Objective: To analyze the knowledge and practices in the care of central venous catheters among professional and auxiliary nursing staff in hospitalized patients in the Men's Surgery Ward of the Honduran Institute of Social Security, Regional Hospital North (May–November 2022). Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study with non-probabilistic convenience sampling. A Likert-scale questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, and an observation guide was applied to evaluate practical skills, both validated through a pilot test. Data analysis was conducted using Epi Info V7.2 and Excel 2007. Results: A high level of knowledge (98%) was observed in catheter assistance, insertion, and maintenance. However, regarding catheter removal, auxiliaries demonstrated a low level of knowledge (50%) compared to professional nurses (89%). In practical skills, professional nurses achieved 83% in proper maintenance and 89% in correct removal, while auxiliaries reached 92% in assistance, 79% in maintenance, and 73% in removal. Conclusions: A discrepancy was identified between knowledge and practical skills. It is essential to define the specific roles of nursing staff to ensure safe care for patients with invasive devices.