Critical Care Nursing NCLEX Questions Related

Review Critical Care Nursing NCLEX Questions related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a patient who has a temporary percutaneous dialysis catheter in place. In caring for this patient, the nurse should

  • A. apply a sterile gauze dressing to maintain sterility.
  • B. replace the transparent dressing every 10 days to prevent manipulation.
  • C. assess the catheter site for redness and/or swelling.
  • D. use the catheter for drawing blood samples to reduce patient discomfort.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because assessing the catheter site for redness and/or swelling is crucial for early detection of infection. Redness and swelling are common signs of infection at the catheter site, which requires prompt intervention. Applying a sterile gauze dressing (choice A) is not necessary for a temporary percutaneous dialysis catheter. Replacing the transparent dressing every 10 days (choice B) is not recommended as it can increase the risk of infection. Using the catheter for drawing blood samples (choice D) is not appropriate as it can introduce contaminants and increase the risk of infection. Regular assessment of the catheter site is essential for early detection and prevention of complications.