A nurse notices swelling and a hematoma during jugular vein catheterization. What is the most appropriate initial action?

Question

Question

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AIIMS NORCET 7 Prelims Memory Based Paper 2024

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Remove the catheter and stop the procedure immediately

Rationale:

During jugular vein catheterization, the nurse must be vigilant for complications such as swelling and hematoma formation. These symptoms can indicate that the catheter may have punctured the vessel or that there is significant bleeding.
Immediate removal of the catheter is necessary to prevent further complications, such as air embolism, infection, or excessive bleeding.
Stopping the procedure allows for the assessment and management of the complication. The nurse can then apply pressure to the site to control bleeding and prevent hematoma expansion.
Prompt intervention is crucial to ensure patient safety and to address any issues that may arise from the complication.

Explanation of Other Options:

Continue the procedure and apply pressure

Rationale: Continuing the procedure despite noticing swelling and a hematoma is unsafe. Applying pressure while continuing the procedure will not address the underlying issue and may exacerbate the complication.

Document the complication and notify the doctor

Rationale: While it is important to document the complication and inform the doctor, this should not be the initial action. Immediate removal of the catheter is necessary to prevent further harm before any documentation or notification.

Apply ice to the area and monitor the patient

Rationale: Applying ice may help reduce swelling, but it does not address the immediate need to stop the procedure and remove the catheter. Monitoring the patient is important, but the initial action should focus on stopping the complication from worsening.

Conclusion:

The most appropriate initial action when a nurse notices swelling and a hematoma during jugular vein catheterization is to remove the catheter and stop the procedure immediately. This action helps to prevent further complications and ensures the patient's safety. Other options, while important in the overall management of the complication, are not appropriate as initial responses.