Author Question: A school-age child is prescribed to receive long-term intravenous antibiotics at home. Which ... (Read 69 times)

elizabeth18 · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

A school-age child is prescribed to receive long-term intravenous antibiotics at home. Which intravenous access route should the nurse suggest as the best for this patient's needs?

A) A port in the left upper chest
B) A PICC line in an antecubital space
C) An intraosseous line in the left lower leg
D) A Hickman catheter in the right upper chest

Question 2

While preparing to insert an intravenous access device into the arm of a school-age child, the child's mother ask if the device can be placed in the left hand so the child can do homework with the right hand.

What should the nurse respond to the mother? A) Let's take a look at the left hand first..
B) It's a doctor's decision to decide the best site..
C) It would be better for him to wait and be surprised..
D) I doubt it; most children have better veins on the right..

Viet Thy · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
Feedback:
Peripherally inserted central catheters or PICC lines are advantageous for home care because they can remain in place for up to 4 months without being changed. In a PICC line, a catheter is inserted into an arm vein and advanced until the tip rests in the superior vena cava. Drugs commonly administered by PICC lines are antibiotics. The child does not need a port or Hickman catheter implanted in the chest. An intraosseous line is not indicated for this child's medication therapy.

Answer to Question 2

A
Feedback:
Older children often express a preference regarding where they want an infusion inserted. The nondominant hand is a good suggestion to provide to the child if a preference is not requested. The doctor does not decide which arm to insert an intravenous access device. The child does not need to be surprised with placement of an intravenous access device. The nurse has no way of knowing which arm or limb will have better veins for the intravenous access device.