What are typical signs of a catheter-related tunnel infection?

• A. Redness at the exit site only.
• B. Redness, swelling along the subcutaneous tunnel, fever, and sometimes purulent drainage at the exit or along the tract.
• C. Pain only when flushing the catheter.
• D. No signs; tunnel infection cannot be detected.

Answer: (B)

Significance lies in recognizing that a catheter-related tunnel infection shows both local changes along the subcutaneous tunnel and possible systemic signs. The best choice describes redness and swelling along the tunnel, fever, and sometimes purulent drainage at the exit or along the tract—this pattern reflects infection that travels with the tunnel path, not just at the skin around the exit. Redness at the exit site alone suggests an exit-site infection, which is a different, more superficial issue. Pain only when flushing doesn’t capture the typical ongoing inflammation along the tunnel, and saying there are no signs is incorrect because tunnel infections usually produce visible symptoms and fever. If this pattern is seen, it requires prompt medical assessment and treatment to prevent progression.