HESI Fundamentals Exam Test Bank Related

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What is the most important action for preventing infection in a client with a central venous catheter?

  • A. Changing the catheter dressing every 72 hours.
  • B. Flushing the catheter with heparin solution daily.
  • C. Ensuring the catheter is clamped when not in use.
  • D. Maintaining sterile technique when handling the catheter.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Maintaining sterile technique when handling a central venous catheter is crucial in preventing infections. This action helps minimize the introduction of pathogens into the catheter site, reducing the risk of contamination and subsequent infection. Changing the catheter dressing every 72 hours, while important, does not directly address the prevention of infection at the insertion site. Flushing the catheter with heparin solution daily helps prevent occlusion but does not primarily focus on infection prevention. Ensuring the catheter is clamped when not in use is essential for preventing air embolism but does not directly relate to infection control.