title: Implementing evidence-based nursing practice in the pediatric intensive care unit.
abstract: With the widespread use of central venous catheters in children, the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSIs) is increasing. Current evidence-based practice strategies to decrease CR-BSIs include using maximum barrier techniques during insertion, practicing good hand hygiene, performing skin antisepsis with 2% chlorhexidine, using a chlorhexidine-impregnated patch (CIP) covered by a semipermeable polyurethane dressing, and promptly removing catheters when no longer needed. Implementation of evidence-based practice bundles, along with monthly monitoring of infection surveillance, has resulted in significant decreases in the average rates of CR-BSIs per 1,000 catheter days in many pediatric intensive care units.
authors.affiliation: Nova Southeastern University, Miami, FL, USA. Anchoredsoul@aol.com
authors.forename: Lisa M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: Dorothy J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D004496:Education, Continuing; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D015278:Intensive Care Units, Pediatric / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018805:Sepsis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control