A nurse in the emergency department is monitoring a client who is receiving dopamine to treat hypovolemic shock. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication for increasing the client's dopamine dosage?

Choice A reason: Aspirating the catheter to check for a brisk blood return is not typically recommended as a routine action when replacing the dressing of a PICC line used for TPN. This action is performed to verify patency and placement of the catheter, but it is not directly related to the dressing change procedure.

Choice B reason: Using sterile technique for the procedure is essential when replacing the dressing of a PICC line. Maintaining sterility is crucial to prevent infection, as the PICC line provides direct access to the central venous system. The nurse should use sterile gloves and follow aseptic protocols to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens at the catheter insertion site.

Choice C reason: Cleansing the insertion site with hydrogen peroxide is not recommended for PICC line care. Hydrogen peroxide can be damaging to the tissue and may delay healing. Instead, a chlorhexidine-based antiseptic is typically used to clean the skin around the insertion site during dressing changes to reduce microbial flora and prevent infection.

Choice D reason: Flushing the TPN port with 20 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride is a practice used to maintain catheter patency, but it is not part of the dressing change procedure. Flushing is usually done before and after administering medication or nutrition, not specifically during a dressing change.

Choice A reason: Drawing the regular insulin into the syringe first is correct. When mixing two types of insulin, the clear (regular) insulin should be drawn up before the cloudy (NPH) insulin to prevent contamination.

Choice B reason: Storing prefilled syringes with the needle pointed upward can cause air bubbles to move into the insulin, which can alter the dose when injected. The needle should be pointed downward.

Choice C reason: Shaking the NPH vial vigorously is not recommended as it can create air bubbles and affect the insulin dose. Instead, the vial should be gently rolled between the hands to mix the insulin.

Choice D reason: Inserting the needle at a 15-degree angle is incorrect for subcutaneous injections. A 90-degree angle is typically used unless the patient is very thin, in which case a 45-degree angle may be used.