What is one recommended practice for preventing central line-associated infections?

One recommended practice for preventing central line-associated infections is the implementation of a catheter care bundle. A catheter care bundle is a set of evidence-based best practices designed to ensure optimal care for central venous catheters (CVCs) and minimize the risk of infections. This bundle typically includes key components such as proper hand hygiene before and after catheter care, the use of maximal sterile barrier precautions during insertion, and daily assessment of the need for the catheter to ensure it remains necessary.

By adhering to these bundled practices, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections, which can lead to serious complications and increased healthcare costs. The bundle approach emphasizes standardization of care processes, ensuring that multiple evidence-based practices are consistently implemented together to enhance patient safety and outcomes.

Other options, while they may have relevance in specific scenarios, do not provide the comprehensive approach to central line infection prevention that a care bundle does. For instance, antifungal prophylaxis and frequent IV tubing changes could be relevant in specific infection prevention strategies, but they do not address the multifaceted approach required for central line care. The use of live attenuated vaccines does not pertain to central line management or infection prevention in this context. Therefore, the catheter care bundle stands out as