Overivew:
The exit site of an intravascular catheter may become infected.
Features of an exit site infection:
(1) inflammation confined to the area around the exit site (< 2 cm)
(2) culture of exudate positive for a bacterial or fungal organism
Inflammation may involve:
(1) erythema
(2) tenderness
(3) induration
(4) serous or purulent discharge
The inflammatory reaction should not extend along the tunneled segment in a pure exit site infection.
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases, Cardiology, Surgery, general, Hematology Oncology