A nurse is assisting with preparing a client who is to have a central venous catheter inserted for the administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Verify the amount of TPN solution the client is receiving every 4 hr.
Prepare the client for a chest x-ray to verify catheter placement.
Use clean technique when changing the catheter dressing.
Place the client in Sims' position for catheter insertion.
The Correct Answer is B
When a central venous catheter (CVC) is inserted, it is essential to confirm proper catheter placement to ensure safe and effective administration of TPN and other medications. A chest x-ray is the gold standard method to verify the correct positioning of the CVC tip. It helps determine if the catheter is appropriately positioned in the superior vena cava or another desired location, which minimizes the risk of complications such as pneumothorax or improper medication delivery.

The other options listed are not appropriate actions for the nurse to take in this situation:
- Verifying the amount of TPN solution the client is receiving every 4 hours is a task related to ongoing monitoring of TPN administration, but it is not directly related to the preparation of the client for CVC insertion.
- Using clean technique when changing the catheter dressing is not appropriate for CVC insertion. Sterile technique is required during the insertion of a CVC to minimize the risk of infection.
- Placing the client in Sims' position is not the appropriate position for CVC insertion. The client is typically placed in a supine or Trendelenburg position during the procedure to facilitate access to the central venous system.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A.Wearing a face mask does not increase the risk of injury. In fact, it helps protect the client from infections, especially if they have concurrent neutropenia, which is common in conditions affecting the bone marrow.
B.Green, leafy vegetables are rich in vitamin K, which plays a role in clotting. However, they do not directly increase the risk of injury in a client with thrombocytopenia. While vitamin K affects clotting factors, thrombocytopenia primarily involves a deficiency of platelets, which are necessary for clot formation.
C.Clients with thrombocytopenia have a low platelet count, which increases their risk of bleeding. Using a firm-bristled toothbrush can cause gum trauma and bleeding, leading to complications such as prolonged bleeding or infection. A soft-bristled toothbrush or an alternative oral hygiene method (such as an oral swab) is recommended to minimize injury.
D.Adequate sleep does not increase the risk of injury. In fact, it may support overall health and immune function.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
When removing the dressing and cleaning the wound, it is important to start from the center of the wound and work towards the outer edges. This technique helps prevent contamination of the wound by minimizing the risk of dragging bacteria or debris from the surrounding skin into the wound.
The other options listed are not recommended for this specific procedure:
When removing the tape, it is generally recommended to pull it parallel to the skin surface rather than pulling from the center of the dressing. This technique reduces the risk of causing trauma or disrupting the wound.
While it is important to maintain aseptic technique during dressing changes, wearing sterile gloves is not necessary for a wet-to-dry dressing change. Clean, non-sterile gloves are typically sufficient for this procedure, as the dressing material itself is not sterile.
In a wet-to-dry dressing change, the dressing is typically applied moist and allowed to dry over time. Therefore, moistening the dressing before removal is not necessary. The primary goal is to remove the dry dressing, which may adhere to the wound bed, and then clean the wound before applying a fresh dressing.

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