A charge nurse is concerned about a recent increase in facility-acquired catheter infections.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

The correct answer is choice D. The nurse should choose a vein that is palpable and straight for IV catheter insertion.

This will facilitate the insertion of the catheter and reduce the risk of complications such as infiltration, phlebitis, or hematoma. A straight vein will also allow the catheter to be inserted up to the hub, which reduces the risk of contamination along the length of the catheter.

Choice A is wrong because selecting a site on the client’s dominant arm can interfere with the client’s mobility and increase the risk of dislodging the catheter. The nurse should choose a site on the client’s non-dominant arm, preferably on the hand or forearm.

Choice B is wrong because applying a tourniquet below the venipuncture site will impede blood flow and make it harder to locate a suitable vein. The nurse should apply a tourniquet above the venipuncture site, about 10 to 15 cm from the insertion site.

Choice C is wrong because elevating the client’s arm prior to insertion will decrease venous filling and make it harder to palpate a vein. The nurse should lower the client’s arm below the level of the heart to increase venous distension.

Normal ranges for IV catheter size and insertion angle depend on several factors, such as the type and duration of therapy, the condition and size of the vein, and the age and preference of the client.

In general, smaller gauge catheters (20 to 24) are preferred for peripheral IV therapy, and larger gauge catheters (14 to 18) are used for rapid fluid administration or blood transfusion. The insertion angle can vary from 10 to 30 degrees, depending on the depth and location of the vein.

, dizziness.

Dizziness is a manifestation of hypovolemia, which is a decrease in blood volume due to fluid loss.

Hypovolemia can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when changing positions. This can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.

Choice A, epistaxis, is wrong because it is not a sign of hypovolemia, but rather a possible cause of it. Epistaxis is a nosebleed that can result from trauma, infection, dryness, or coagulation disorders.

Choice B, headache, is wrong because it is not a specific sign of hypovolemia, but rather a nonspecific symptom that can have many causes. Headache can be associated with dehydration, but it can also be caused by stress, infection, inflammation, or other factors.

Choice D, shortness of breath, is wrong because it is not a sign of hypovolemia, but rather a sign of fluid volume excess.

Fluid volume excess is an increase in blood volume due to fluid retention or overload. Fluid volume excess can cause dyspnea, which is difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

Normal ranges for blood pressure are 90/60 mm Hg to 120/80 mm Hg for adults.

Normal ranges for heart rate are 60 to 100 beats per minute for adults.