The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition through a central venous catheter. Which action should the nurse plan to implement to decrease the risk of infection in this client?

Sterile technique is vital during dressing changes of a central venous catheter (CVC). CVCs are large-bore catheters that can serve as a direct-entry point for microorganisms into the heart and circulatory system. Using aseptic technique helps avoid catheter-related infections by preventing the introduction of potential pathogens to the site. Although the remaining options are reasonable nursing interventions for a client with a CVC, none of them prevents infection. Options 1 and 3 are assessment methods, and option 2 is implemented after the confirmation of an existing infection.