Critical Care Nursing NCLEX Questions Related

Review Critical Care Nursing NCLEX Questions related questions and content

When evaluating a patient with a central venous catheter, the nurse observes that the insertion site is red and tender to touch and the patient’s temperature is 101.8°F. What should the nurse plan to do next?

  • A. Give analgesics and antibiotics as ordered.
  • B. Discontinue the catheter and culture the tip.
  • C. Change the flush system and monitor the site.
  • D. Check the site more frequently for any swelling.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Discontinue the catheter and culture the tip. The patient's symptoms indicate a possible catheter-related infection. Discontinuing the catheter will prevent further infection spread. Culturing the tip will identify the specific pathogen causing the infection, guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy. Choice A is incorrect because giving analgesics alone will not address the underlying infection. Choice C is incorrect as changing the flush system is not a priority when infection is suspected. Choice D is incorrect as checking the site more frequently does not address the need for immediate action to address the infection.