A nurse is preparing to discharge a client who has a long-term central venous access device. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Discharge teaching for a client with a long-term central venous access device focuses on preventing infection, maintaining catheter patency, and recognizing complications early. Central lines provide direct access to major blood vessels, which increases the risk of bloodstream infections if proper care is not followed. Strict hand hygiene, aseptic dressing care, and safe catheter handling are essential parts of home management. Clients must understand how to protect the line and when to seek medical attention. Rationale: A. Changing the dressing using clean technique is incorrect because sterile technique is required for central venous access device dressing changes. Since the catheter provides direct access to the bloodstream, any contamination can quickly lead to serious infection or sepsis. Sterile gloves, sterile supplies, and aseptic handling are necessary to maintain line safety and prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections. B. Refraining from wearing any type of artificial nails is appropriate because artificial nails can harbor large numbers of microorganisms and make effective hand hygiene more difficult. These organisms increase the risk of introducing pathogens during catheter care. Avoiding artificial nails supports infection prevention, especially when the client or caregiver is responsible for dressing changes and line maintenance at home. C. Saying not to take showers and to take baths only is incorrect because baths may actually increase infection risk if the catheter site is submerged in water. Showering is generally allowed if the dressing is properly covered and protected from moisture. The goal is to keep the insertion site dry and clean rather than restricting all shower use. D. Returning to the provider to have the line flushed is not always necessary because many clients or caregivers are taught to flush the line at home using prescribed sterile supplies and technique. Routine flushing helps maintain catheter patency and prevent occlusion. Depending on the type of device and care plan, home management is often expected rather than requiring frequent clinic visits.