Pediatric NCLEX Questions Related

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An adult has a Hickman type central venous catheter and needs to have blood drawn from it. Which of the following should the nurse do first?

  • A. Use sterile technique to assemble supplies needed
  • B. Aspirate and discard the first 10 ml of the blood
  • C. First flush the catheter with heparinized solution, then withdraw the blood
  • D. Remove the cap of the catheter and replace it with a new one
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Before drawing blood from a central venous catheter like a Hickman type, it is essential to ensure that the catheter is patent and free of any clots. Flushing the catheter with a heparinized solution (to prevent clot formation) before withdrawing blood helps clear the catheter and ensures accurate blood sample collection. Removing clots or obstructions from the catheter is crucial to prevent complications and maintain the catheter's function. Therefore, it is important to first flush the catheter with a heparinized solution before drawing blood from it.