A nurse on a pediatric unit is caring for a toddler who has poor dietary intake.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

When a central venous catheter (CVC) is inserted, it is essential to confirm proper catheter placement to ensure safe and effective administration of TPN and other medications. A chest x-ray is the gold standard method to verify the correct positioning of the CVC tip. It helps determine if the catheter is appropriately positioned in the superior vena cava or another desired location, which minimizes the risk of complications such as pneumothorax or improper medication delivery.

The other options listed are not appropriate actions for the nurse to take in this situation:

1. Verifying the amount of TPN solution the client is receiving every 4 hours is a task related to ongoing monitoring of TPN administration, but it is not directly related to the preparation of the client for CVC insertion.
2. Using clean technique when changing the catheter dressing is not appropriate for CVC insertion. Sterile technique is required during the insertion of a CVC to minimize the risk of infection.
3. Placing the client in Sims' position is not the appropriate position for CVC insertion. The client is typically placed in a supine or Trendelenburg position during the procedure to facilitate access to the central venous system.

A.Coiling the tubing on the bed above the collection bag is incorrect because it can cause urine to flow back into the bladder, increasing the risk of infection and compromising the effectiveness of the drainage system. The tubing should be kept below the level of the bladder to ensure proper drainage.

B.Instructing the client to hold the drainage bag at waist height when ambulating is incorrect because the drainage bag should always be kept below the level of the bladder to prevent urine from flowing back into the bladder, which could lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI).

C.Securing the tubing with adhesive tape to the lower abdomen is correct because it helps prevent accidental pulling or tugging on the catheter, which could cause discomfort or dislodgement. Properly securing the tubing also helps maintain a continuous flow of urine and reduces the risk of infection.

D.Collecting a sterile specimen from the urinary drainage bag is incorrect because urine in the drainage bag is not considered sterile. If a sterile specimen is needed, it should be obtained by cleaning the catheter's sampling port with an antiseptic solution and withdrawing urine directly from the port using a sterile syringe.