While assessing a patient with a central venous catheter in place in the left subclavian vein,the nurse notes that the catheter insertion site is red and tender and that the patient's temperature is 38.8°C.The nurse will plan to implement which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of erythema and tenderness at the insertion site along with fever indicates the possibility of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). Therefore, the appropriate action would be to discontinue the catheter immediately and obtain a culture of the catheter tip. Antibiotics and analgesics may be necessary but only after obtaining culture results. Changing the flush system and monitoring the site or checking the site frequently for swelling would not be sufficient in managing a potential CRBSI.

While Assessing a Patient with a Central Venous Catheter in Place