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?

Rationale: A. After puncturing the skin and observing blood return in the flashback chamber, the nurse has confirmed venous entry. The next step is to advance the catheter fully into the vein to ensure proper placement before removing the stylet. This allows the flexible catheter to remain in the vessel while the needle is withdrawn. B. The catheter should not be flushed until it is fully advanced, the stylet is removed, and correct placement is confirmed. Flushing too early could result in infiltration or failure if the catheter is not properly positioned. C. The tourniquet should remain in place until after the catheter is fully advanced and the stylet is removed. Releasing it too early may cause the vein to collapse and make catheter advancement more difficult. D. The stylet (needle) is not removed immediately after flashback alone. First, the catheter must be advanced into the vein. The stylet is then withdrawn once the catheter is fully in place to prevent damage to the vessel and ensure proper catheter positioning.