A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a peripheral IV catheter.

After puncturing the skin with the vascular access device and noting a blood return in the flashback chamber, which of the following actions should the nurse perform next?

The correct answer is choice D, a noncoring needle.

A noncoring needle is a special type of needle that has a beveled tip and a side hole. It is designed to prevent damage to the port’s septum, which is the soft silicone top that serves as the vein access point.

A noncoring needle also reduces the risk of infection and clotting.

Choice A is wrong because a butterfly needle is a small, winged needle that is used for peripheral venous access, not for accessing a port. A butterfly needle can damage the port’s septum and cause leakage or infection.

Choice B is wrong because an angiocatheter is a thin, plastic tube that is inserted into a vein using a needle.

It is used for short-term IV therapy, not for accessing a port. An angiocatheter can also damage the port’s septum and cause complications.

Choice C is wrong because a 25-gauge needle is too small to access a port.

A 25-gauge needle is typically used for subcutaneous injections, not for intravenous injections. A 25-gauge needle can also clog the port or cause hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells).

Normal ranges for ports vary depending on the type and size of the port, but generally they have a reservoir diameter of 1.5 to 2.5 cm, a catheter length of 40 to 60 cm, and a catheter diameter of 0.8 to 1.2 mm. Ports are usually flushed with saline or heparin solution every 4 to 6 weeks when not in use to prevent clotting.

Choice A reason:

"This test will be repeated when your baby is 2 months old. “This is a false statement. Newborn genetic screening is usually performed shortly after birth. The test is not typically repeated when the baby is 2 months old, as it is meant to detect conditions early on, allowing for prompt intervention and management if necessary.

Choice B reason:

"Your baby will be given 2 ounces of water to drink prior to the test."This is a false statement. The baby does not need to drink water before the newborn genetic screening test. The test is usually performed by collecting a small blood sample from the baby's heel, and there is no need for the baby to drink water beforehand.

Choice C reason:

"This test should be performed after your baby is 24 hours old. “This is the appropriate statement. The nurse should include the statement that newborn genetic screening should be performed after the baby is 24 hours old. Newborn genetic screening, also known as newborn screening or heel prick test, is a standard test performed on newborns to detect certain genetic, metabolic, and congenital disorders early on. The test is typically done by pricking the baby's heel to collect a small sample of blood, which is then analysed in a laboratory.

Choice D reason:

"A nurse will draw blood from your baby's inner elbow. “This is a false statement. The correct location for collecting the blood sample for newborn genetic screening is the baby's heel. The nurse will prick the baby's heel to obtain a few drops of blood, which will then be collected on a special filter paper for laboratory analysis.