During insertion of a subclavian central venous catheter, the patient reports chest pain. Vital signs reveal hypotension and tachypnea. Upon inspection, the patient appears dyspneic and cyanotic

Question

The nurse would assess for which conditions? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply. 1. Pneumothorax
2. Air embolism
3. Perforation of the left ventricle
4. Stroke
5. Fluid volume overload

Answer 1

1,2
Rationale 1: These assessment findings support the development of a pneumothorax, which is a risk associated with central venous catheter placement.
Rationale 2: These assessment findings support the development of an air embolism, which is a risk associated with central venous catheter placement.
Rationale 3: Perforation of the left ventricle would be an unlikely complication of this procedure.
Rationale 4: These assessment findings would not raise immediate suspicion of stroke. Stroke is not commonly associated with central line placement.
Rationale 5: The patient who has fluid volume overload may not tolerate the positioning necessary for central line placement, but the health care provider would be aware of this issue prior to the procedure. Fluid volume overload is not caused by the placement of a central line.