What is the primary concern in managing a dialysis catheter?

The primary concern in managing a dialysis catheter is infection prevention. This is critical because catheters are direct access points to the bloodstream, making them potential entry points for pathogens that can lead to serious infections such as catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). Effective management involves maintaining strict aseptic technique during catheter care, ensuring proper dressing changes, and conducting regular site assessments to identify any signs of infection early.

While patient comfort, cost efficiency, and ease of access are important considerations in overall patient care, they do not take precedence over the risk of infection associated with catheter use. The priority must always be to minimize the risk of infection, which can have severe consequences for patients undergoing dialysis. Therefore, infection prevention is the cornerstone of safe catheter management practices in a dialysis setting.