ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation Related

Review ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a client who is having a subclavian central venous catheter inserted. The client begins to report chest pain and difficulty breathing. After administering oxygen, which action should the nurse take next?

  • A. Administer a sublingual nitroglycerin tablet
  • B. Prepare to assist with chest tube insertion.
  • C. . Place a sterile dressing over the IV site
  • D. Re-position the client into the Trendelenburg position.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prepare to assist with chest tube insertion. Chest pain and difficulty breathing after subclavian central venous catheter insertion could indicate a pneumothorax, a potential complication. Chest tube insertion is indicated to help re-expand the lung and relieve the pressure in the thoracic cavity. This intervention takes priority over the other options because it addresses the potential life-threatening complication of a pneumothorax. Administering nitroglycerin (choice A) is not indicated for chest pain in this scenario. Placing a sterile dressing over the IV site (choice C) is not appropriate for managing chest pain and difficulty breathing. Re-positioning the client into the Trendelenburg position (choice D) is not effective in addressing a pneumothorax and may worsen the client's condition.