Which procedure is associated with sepsis?

Which procedure is associated with sepsis?

• A. Intubation
• B. Chest Tube
• C. Cardioversion
• D. Central Line Placement

Answer: (D)

Sepsis is a systemic response to infection, and intravascular devices are a common source of such infections. A central line provides direct access to a large vein, so bacteria can travel into the bloodstream if the line becomes contaminated, making catheter-related bloodstream infection a well-known cause of sepsis. Other procedures listed—intubation for airway support, chest tube placement for pleural issues, and cardioversion for rhythm problems—address different problems and do not inherently carry the same risk of introducing infection into the bloodstream. That combination of high infection risk and direct vascular access is why central line placement is the procedure associated with sepsis. Emphasizing sterile technique during insertion and careful line care and removal helps prevent sepsis.

Sepsis is a systemic response to infection, and intravascular devices are a common source of such infections. A central line provides direct access to a large vein, so bacteria can travel into the bloodstream if the line becomes contaminated, making catheter-related bloodstream infection a well-known cause of sepsis. Other procedures listed—intubation for airway support, chest tube placement for pleural issues, and cardioversion for rhythm problems—address different problems and do not inherently carry the same risk of introducing infection into the bloodstream. That combination of high infection risk and direct vascular access is why central line placement is the procedure associated with sepsis. Emphasizing sterile technique during insertion and careful line care and removal helps prevent sepsis.