The nurse is caring for a client who had a central venous catheter placed in the right subclavian vein. Approximately 30 minutes after placement the client has become increasingly restless, has jugular vein distention, and a heart rate of 120 beats per minute. The nurse would assess for which possible complication?

Guidewire-induced dysrhythmia

Pneumothorax

Pulmonary infarction

Venous thrombosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Guidewire-induced dysrhythmia: Guidewire-induced dysrhythmia can occur if the guidewire or catheter irritates the heart during insertion, particularly when the catheter is placed in the central venous system. While this can lead to arrhythmias, it is typically more immediate and occurs during the procedure itself. The symptoms of dysrhythmia (e.g., irregular heartbeat) would more likely present right after insertion or during the manipulation of the guidewire. The signs of restlessness, JVD, and tachycardia observed 30 minutes after placement are more suggestive of a pneumothorax than of a guidewire-induced dysrhythmia.

B. Pneumothorax: Pneumothorax is a potential complication of central venous catheter (CVC) placement, particularly when the catheter is inserted into the subclavian vein. The right subclavian vein is located near the apex of the lung, so inadvertent puncture of the lung during catheter placement can lead to air entering the pleural space, causing a pneumothorax. The symptoms of pneumothorax may include restlessness, tachycardia, jugular vein distention (JVD), and respiratory distress. A heart rate of 120 beats per minute is consistent with tachycardia due to hypoxia or distress, and JVD can be a sign of increased intrathoracic pressure or impaired venous return, which occurs with a pneumothorax. These symptoms warrant immediate assessment for pneumothorax, which can be confirmed with a chest x-ray.

C. Pulmonary infarction: Pulmonary infarction occurs when a blockage in the pulmonary arteries prevents blood flow to lung tissue, resulting in tissue death. This can be caused by a pulmonary embolism or other issues, but it is not a typical complication of central venous catheter placement. The symptoms described (restlessness, JVD, and tachycardia) are more consistent with a pneumothorax than a pulmonary infarction, which would likely cause chest pain, hemoptysis, or dyspnea rather than these signs.

D. Venous thrombosis: While venous thrombosis (or clot formation) is a potential complication of central venous catheter placement, it typically manifests as swelling, redness, or pain at the catheter insertion site, rather than with the systemic symptoms of restlessness, tachycardia, and JVD. Venous thrombosis could cause some of the described symptoms in the long term, but it is less likely to be the cause of acute symptoms 30 minutes post-procedure. The immediate concern in this case is more likely to be pneumothorax, which can occur more suddenly and cause these symptoms.Top of FormBottom of Form

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. In the prone position:
The prone position has been shown to be beneficial in certain respiratory conditions, particularly in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), where it can help improve oxygenation by redistributing blood flow in the lungs. However, prone positioning is typically not the first choice for pneumonia, especially when it is localized to specific lobes of the lung. It is more commonly used in cases of diffuse bilateral lung injury or severe hypoxemia. Therefore, while prone positioning can improve oxygenation in ARDS, it is not specifically targeted for secretion removal in localized pneumonia.

B. In high-Fowler's position:
The high-Fowler's position (sitting up at a 60-90 degree angle) can help with dyspnea and promote lung expansion in conditions like heart failure or dyspneic states. However, for pneumonia, it is not as effective as lateral positioning for facilitating secretion drainage from specific lung lobes. The high-Fowler's position may be useful for promoting overall comfort and reducing dyspnea, but it is not the best position for improving secretion removal from the right middle and lower lobes.

C. On the left side:
Positioning the patient on the left side is not ideal for right middle and lower lobe pneumonia, as it would not optimize drainage from the affected lobes. The right middle and lower lobes are better drained when the patient is positioned on the right side, as gravity can help move the secretions from the affected lobes toward the larger airways for easier clearance.

D. On the right side: In the case of right middle and lower lobe pneumonia, positioning the client on the right side can help optimize ventilation and promote better secretion removal from the affected areas of the lung. This position allows gravity to assist in draining secretions from the right middle and lower lobes toward the larger airways, where they can be more easily cleared by coughing or suctioning. This positioning can improve oxygenation and facilitate secretion management, which is crucial for improving respiratory function in pneumonia.

A. Encourage the daily use of the incentive spirometer B. Assisting the client with ambulation in the hallway C. Increasing the chest tube suction to 44 mmHg D. Assessing for adequate pain relief

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Encourage the daily use of the incentive spirometer: While the use of an incentive spirometer is important for improving lung expansion and preventing atelectasis, it may not be effective unless the client’s pain is well-managed. If pain is not addressed first, the client may be unable or unwilling to use the incentive spirometer properly, thus delaying recovery and increasing the risk of respiratory complications.

B. Assisting the client with ambulation in the hallway: Ambulation is an important post-operative activity for improving circulation and preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pneumonia. However, the priority at this time should be addressing the client's pain and ensuring adequate breathing before attempting more strenuous activities like ambulation. If the client is in pain and not breathing effectively, ambulation could exacerbate respiratory difficulties..

C. Increasing the chest tube suction to 44 mmHg: Increasing chest tube suction is not indicated unless there is evidence of inadequate drainage or a specific complication, such as a pneumothorax or pleural effusion. In this case, the priority is to address the client’s respiratory function, which is more likely to improve with pain relief, deep breathing, and appropriate positioning. Suctioning should only be adjusted if there is a clinical reason such as signs of a pneumothorax or inadequate drainage, which is not indicated by the information provided.

D. Assessing for adequate pain relief: The most urgent intervention in this scenario is ensuring that the client has adequate pain relief. The client’s shallow respirations and guarding of the operative site suggest that pain is inhibiting effective breathing and deep inspiration, which is crucial for preventing atelectasis and improving ventilation. Pain control is essential in promoting optimal respiratory function, as uncontrolled pain can lead to shallow breathing, reduced lung expansion, and compromised gas exchange, all of which can increase the risk of acute respiratory failure. Once pain is managed, the client will be better able to engage in other respiratory interventions

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Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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