Family notices there is bleeding at the central line site (see photo below). What is this?
A. Tumor
B. Bacterial Infection
C. Granulation tissue
D. Psoriasis
E. Pustule
The correct answer is c. Granulation tissue. This is granulation tissue at the exit site. It is made of connective tissue with abundant microscopic blood vessels at the site of a healing wound site. Treatment involves careful wound care. Sometimes this occurs when there is a retained cuff being extruded. Families must be careful that the exit-side does not become infected. Nursing care is often needed to help as patients often need frequent dressing changes due to liquid drainage, and the frequent dressing changes aggravate granulation tissue and cause it to overgrow.