Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 86%
Simulated
A nurse is inserting a short peripheral IV catheter for a client who requires IV fluids. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct answer
Choosing a proximal site preserves veins and reduces complications. Palmar wrist veins are prone to infiltration, dominant arm choice is not prioritized, and larger catheters may increase phlebitis risk.
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Select a site proximal to previous venipuncture sites. This is the appropriate action for the nurse to take when inserting a short peripheral IV catheter for a client who requires IV fluids. Selecting a site proximal to previous venipuncture sites helps preserve veins by avoiding areas that have already been accessed multiple times, reducing the risk of complications such as phlebitis and infiltration.
Option A is incorrect because initiating IV access on the palmar side of the wrist can lead to infiltration due to the delicate nature of the veins in that area. Option B is incorrect because choosing the dominant arm is not a priority and can limit the client's mobility. Option D is incorrect because inserting a larger gauge IV catheter does not prevent phlebitis and can actually increase the risk of complications.
Option A is incorrect because initiating IV access on the palmar side of the wrist can lead to infiltration due to the delicate nature of the veins in that area. Option B is incorrect because choosing the dominant arm is not a priority and can limit the client's mobility. Option D is incorrect because inserting a larger gauge IV catheter does not prevent phlebitis and can actually increase the risk of complications.