Which description best reflects central line dressing care?

• A. Change dressing every seven days, or when visibly soiled or compromised
• B. Daily
• C. Weekly
• D. Monthly

Answer: (A)

Central line dressing care aims to keep the insertion site as a sterile barrier to infection as possible while allowing you to inspect the site. The best practice is to change the dressing every seven days if it remains clean, dry, and intact, and to change sooner if it becomes visibly soiled, damp, loose, or compromised. This interval minimizes unnecessary manipulation of the catheter while still maintaining a protective seal against infection.

Daily changes are unnecessary when the dressing is in good condition and the site looks clean. Monthly changes are far too infrequent and increase infection risk if the dressing is not intact. The key is to ensure a sterile change when needed and to inspect the site regularly.