While assessing a patient with a central venous catheter in place in the left subclavian vein, the nurse notes the catheter insertion site is red and tender and the patient's temperature is 101.8° F. The nurse will plan to

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The information indicates that the patient has a local and systemic infection caused by the catheter and the catheter should be discontinued. Changing the flush system, administration of analgesics, and continued monitoring will not help prevent or treat the infection. Administration of antibiotics is appropriate, but the line should still be discontinued to avoid further complications such as endocarditis.

While Assessing a Patient with a Central Venous Catheter in Place