Author Question: Following the insertion of a central venous access device, the nurse notes a weak, thready pulse and ... (Read 86 times)

oliviahorn72 · **on:** Jul 24, 2018

Following the insertion of a central venous access device, the nurse notes a weak, thready pulse and decreased blood pressure. The patient complains of shortness of breath and palpitations. Which action will the nurse take first?

a. Place the patient on the left side.
b. Reassess vital signs.
c. Stop the infusion.
d. Verify placement of the device.

Question 2

In assessing a patient with a central venous access device, which sign or symptom indicates that the patient is experiencing an air embolism?

a. Chest pain
b. Erythema
c. Frothy sputum
d. Sweating

amandalm · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 24, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Signs and symptoms indicate an air embolism. The nurse's immediate action will be to place the patient onto his or her left side. The nurse has determined change in pulse and blood pressure already, and although it is appropriate to reassess, it is not the first action the nurse will take. There is no indication that anything is infusing into this venous access device. Verifying the placement of the device is not the first action the nurse would take.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Chest pain is a symptom associated with air embolism. Erythema occurs with infiltration or extravasation. Frothy sputum occurs with circulatory overload or pulmonary edema. Sweating is indicative of a pulmonary embolism.