What sign might indicate that the CVAD is occluded?

Resistance when flushing the line is a clear sign that a central venous access device (CVAD) may be occluded. When the line is functioning properly, a healthcare provider should be able to flush it smoothly without any resistance. If there is noticeable resistance, it suggests that there might be a blockage within the catheter, such as clotted blood, fibrin sheath, or kinking of the catheter itself. This can impede the flow of fluids or medications, indicating that the integrity of the CVAD is compromised and that further assessment or intervention may be necessary to resolve the issue.

Increased heart rate, pale skin around the insertion site, and a patient's temperature spike can be indicative of other issues, such as infection or fluid imbalance, but they do not specifically signal an occlusion of the CVAD. These symptoms can occur for a variety of reasons, and while they are important to monitor, they do not provide the same direct indicator of an obstruction as resistance felt during line flushing does.