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    Ati rn adult medical surgical 2023 proctored exam

    A nurse is planning care for a client who requires insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

    Explanation & Rationale

    A. Flush the PICC line with 0.9% sodium chloride after medication administration: This is essential to maintain patency and prevent occlusion as it helps clear any medication residue from the line and ensures proper blood flow. B. Monitor for a pneumothorax following insertion of the PICC line: A pneumothorax is a potential complication following the insertion of a central venous catheter in the subclavian or internal jugular vein, not typically associated with PICC line insertion. C. Use a 3 mL syringe when flushing the PICC line: A 10 mL or larger syringe is recommended. Using a 3 mL syringe could generate high pressure, causing damage to the PICC line or the vein, leading to complications such as catheter rupture or vein injury. D. Expect the PICC line to be inserted into a lower extremity vein: PICC lines are typically inserted into veins in the upper extremities, such as the basilic or cephalic veins. Inserting a PICC line into a lower extremity vein can increase the risk of complications such as DVT.

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