Critical Care Nursing Questions Related

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The nurse is caring for a patient following insertion of a left subclavian central venous catheter (CVC). Which assessment finding 2 hours after insertion by the nurse warrants immediate action?

  • A. Diminished breath sounds over left lung field
  • B. Localized pain at catheter insertion site
  • C. Measured central venous pressure of 5 mm Hg
  • D. Slight bloody drainage around insertion site
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diminished breath sounds over the left lung field. This finding could indicate a pneumothorax, a serious complication of subclavian CVC insertion. Immediate action is required to prevent respiratory distress.
Incorrect answers:
B: Localized pain at insertion site is common post-procedure and may not indicate a serious issue.
C: A central venous pressure of 5 mm Hg is within the normal range and does not require immediate action.
D: Slight bloody drainage is expected initially and can be managed with routine care.