What is a common sign of a catheter-related infection?

Swelling at the site is a common sign of a catheter-related infection due to the body's inflammatory response to the presence of infection. When an infection occurs, the area around the catheter may become inflamed, leading to localized swelling. This is a direct physiological reaction to the infection as white blood cells and other immune system components are recruited to combat the pathogens.

Visible swelling at the catheter insertion site may also be accompanied by redness, warmth, and tenderness, which further indicate infection. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for timely intervention and management to prevent the infection from worsening or leading to systemic complications.

In contrast, while low blood pressure and increased heart rate can be associated with severe infections or sepsis, they are not specific indicators of a catheter-related infection. High blood sugar levels are not typically associated with infections resulting from catheters. Understanding these symptoms and their implications is essential for effective monitoring and intervention in patients with vascular access devices.