A nurse is caring for a client with a CVC who reports discomfort and notices swelling around the catheter insertion site. Which action should the nurse prioritize?
Wait to see if the swelling resolves before taking further action.
Flush the line with sterile saline to ensure patency before continuing infusions.
Apply a warm compress to the site to reduce swelling and monitor for improvement.
Inspect the insertion site for signs of infection, stop any infusions, and notify the healthcare provider.
The correct action is to assess for further signs of complications such as redness, tenderness, or purulent discharge, stop any infusions, and notify the healthcare provider about potential complications like an infection or thrombosis. Swelling and discomfort at the CVC site can be early indicators of significant issues, such as a central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) or catheter-related thrombosis. Prompt intervention is critical to prevent serious outcomes like sepsis or complete catheter occlusion. Flushing the line, waiting for symptoms to resolve, or applying compresses still delays necessary intervention and can exacerbate underlying complications.
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Physiological Integrity
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