ATI Exit Exam RN Related

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What is the best way to monitor for infection in a patient with a central line?

  • A. Check the central line site daily
  • B. Monitor the patient's vital signs
  • C. Check the central line dressing every other day
  • D. Check for signs of sepsis
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Check the central line site daily. Monitoring the central line site daily is crucial in detecting early signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, tenderness, or drainage. By checking the site regularly, healthcare providers can take prompt action to prevent complications. Choice B, monitoring the patient's vital signs, while important in assessing overall health, may not specifically indicate an infection related to the central line. Choice C, checking the central line dressing every other day, may not be frequent enough to catch early signs of infection. Choice D, checking for signs of sepsis, is important but represents a more severe stage of infection and may occur after local signs at the central line site have already manifested.