Which practice reduces infection risk for a patient with an external ventricular drain?

Which practice reduces infection risk for a patient with an external ventricular drain?

• A. Maintain sterile technique during drainage system changes
• B. Keep the drainage system open to air
• C. Massage the drainage tubing to ensure patency
• D. Use non-sterile gloves when handling the system

Answer: (A)

Infection prevention for an external ventricular drain hinges on keeping the drainage system sterile and closed. The EVD provides a direct route from the ventricles to an external collection system, so any breach in sterility or exposure to air can introduce skin or environmental bacteria into the CSF, raising the risk of ventriculitis or meningitis. Maintaining sterile technique during drainage system changes is the best way to prevent infection. This means performing hand hygiene, using sterile gloves and a sterile field, and ensuring all connections remain closed and sealed during any manipulation or change. When changes are necessary, they should be done in a way that preserves sterility and minimizes exposure to the environment. Why the other practices increase risk: keeping the system open to air allows bacteria to enter; massaging the tubing can disrupt the system and introduce pathogens; using non-sterile gloves is a direct route for contamination.

Infection prevention for an external ventricular drain hinges on keeping the drainage system sterile and closed. The EVD provides a direct route from the ventricles to an external collection system, so any breach in sterility or exposure to air can introduce skin or environmental bacteria into the CSF, raising the risk of ventriculitis or meningitis.

Maintaining sterile technique during drainage system changes is the best way to prevent infection. This means performing hand hygiene, using sterile gloves and a sterile field, and ensuring all connections remain closed and sealed during any manipulation or change. When changes are necessary, they should be done in a way that preserves sterility and minimizes exposure to the environment.

Why the other practices increase risk: keeping the system open to air allows bacteria to enter; massaging the tubing can disrupt the system and introduce pathogens; using non-sterile gloves is a direct route for contamination.