Critical Care Nursing Cardiac Questions Related

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Following insertion of a central venous catheter, the nurse obtains a stat chest x-ray film to verify proper catheter placement. The radiologist reports to the nurse: “The tip of the catheter is located in the superior vena cava.” What is the best inter pretation of these results by the nurse?

  • A. The catheter is not positioned correctly and should be removed.
  • B. The catheter position increases the risk of ventricular daybisrbr.hcoymth/tmesti as.
  • C. The distal tip of the catheter is in the appropriate position.
  • D. The physician should be called to advance the catheter into the pulmonary artery.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: The distal tip of the catheter is in the appropriate position.

Rationale:
1. The superior vena cava is a desirable location for a central venous catheter tip placement as it is close to the heart for rapid medication delivery.
2. Catheter tip in the superior vena cava allows for proper venous return and minimizes the risk of complications.
3. The nurse does not need to remove or adjust the catheter if the tip is in the superior vena cava.
4. Advancing the catheter into the pulmonary artery (option D) would be incorrect as it can lead to serious complications.

Incorrect choices:
A: Incorrect because placement in the superior vena cava is acceptable.
B: Incorrect as placement in the superior vena cava does not increase the risk of ventricular dysrhythmias.
D: Incorrect as advancing the catheter into the pulmonary artery is unnecessary and risky.