A nurse is caring for a school-age child who is 2 hr postoperative following cardiac catheterization.

The nurse observes blood on the child’s dressing.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

This will facilitate the insertion of the catheter and reduce the risk of complications such as infiltration, phlebitis, or hematoma. A straight vein will also allow the catheter to be inserted up to the hub, which reduces the risk of contamination along the length of the catheter.

Choice A is wrong because selecting a site on the client’s dominant arm can interfere with the client’s mobility and increase the risk of dislodging the catheter. The nurse should choose a site on the client’s non-dominant arm, preferably on the hand or forearm.

Choice B is wrong because applying a tourniquet below the venipuncture site will impede blood flow and make it harder to locate a suitable vein. The nurse should apply a tourniquet above the venipuncture site, about 10 to 15 cm from the insertion site.

Choice C is wrong because elevating the client’s arm prior to insertion will decrease venous filling and make it harder to palpate a vein. The nurse should lower the client’s arm below the level of the heart to increase venous distension.

Normal ranges for IV catheter size and insertion angle depend on several factors, such as the type and duration of therapy, the condition and size of the vein, and the age and preference of the client.

In general, smaller gauge catheters (20 to 24) are preferred for peripheral IV therapy, and larger gauge catheters (14 to 18) are used for rapid fluid administration or blood transfusion. The insertion angle can vary from 10 to 30 degrees, depending on the depth and location of the vein.

Hct stands for hematocrit, which is the percentage of red blood cells (RBCs) in the blood. A client who received 2 units of packed RBCs should have an increased Hct because they have more RBCs in their blood volume.

The normal range for Hct is 38% to 50% for males and 36% to 44% for females.

Choice B is wrong because decreased Hgb means decreased hemoglobin, which is the protein that carries oxygen in the RBCs.

A client who received 2 units of packed RBCs should have an increased Hgb because they have more hemoglobin in their blood. The normal range for Hgb is 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL for males and 12 to 15.5 g/dL for females.

Choice C is wrong because increased platelets means increased thrombocytes, which are the cells that help with blood clotting.

A client who received 2 units of packed RBCs should not have an increased platelet count because they did not receive platelets in the transfusion. The normal range for platelets is 150,000 to 400,000/mm^3.

Choice D is wrong because decreased WBC count means decreased leukocytes, which are the cells that fight infection and inflammation.

A client who received 2 units of packed RBCs should not have a decreased WBC count because they did not receive WBCs in the transfusion. The normal range for WBC count is 4,500 to 11,000/mm^3.