ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the positioning of the distal tip of central venous catheters and the factors that contributed to inadequate positioning in patients admitted to intensive care. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, with a sample of 246 medical records of patients admitted to intensive care units. A catheter position analysis form was used as an instrument for data collection. RESULTS: It was seen that 86.2% of catheters used in intensive care were centrally inserted in the internal jugular veins, 74.4% were double-lumen catheter, and ultrasound was employed for puncture technique in 84.6% of cases. Of the distal ends of the catheters, 53.7% were at the cavoatrial junction (correct position). According to statistical tests, there was a positive correlation between the inadequate positioning of the distal extremity with the central insertion catheter (p=0.012). Patients with presumptive diagnosis associated with COVID-19 showed a positive correlation with inappropriate positioning of the catheter distal tip (p=0.017). CONCLUSION: There are extrinsic factors related to improper positioning of the distal tip of catheters, such as the type of catheter used, the patients' diagnosis and the puncture with insertion in the left jugular vein.