Most CVC lumens require anticoagulation in the form of a heparin flush to maintain patency and prevent clotting when not in use. The nurse should check the institution's protocol and the HCP prescription to determine the correct dose. Doses of 2-3 mL containing 10 units/mL-100 units/mL, are the standard of care for flushing a CVC. Doses of 1000-10,000 units are given for cases of venous thromboembolism; therefore, this prescription is an error and should be clarified by the nurse. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that a single-dose vial or prefilled syringe be used to reduce infection risk. Heparin is a high-alert medication (at high risk for causing significant harm to the client if given in error).
(Option 1) TPN should be administered through a CVC. Because of its viscosity and high glucose, lipids, electrolytes, vitamins and minerals, it is safest when administered through a CVC or peripherally inserted central catheter.
(Option 2) According to the CDC, an occlusive dressing should be changed every 7 days. The nurse should check the institution's protocol for frequency of dressing changes.
(Option 4) The distal port of a triple lumen CVC is the largest lumen (tube) and should be used for CVP (right atrium pressure) monitoring. The distal end of the CVC is in reverse as regards the client; therefore, the distal end is at the tip of the catheter in the superior vena cava vein, closest to the right atrium of the heart.
Educational objective:
Most CVCs require intravenous heparin flushes to maintain patency and prevent clotting. Single-dose vials of 2-3 mL of 10 units/mL or 100 units/mL are the standard of care. A dose of 1000-10,000 units is given for cases of thromboembolism.
Most CVC lumens require anticoagulation in the form of a heparin flush to maintain patency and prevent clotting when not in use. The nurse should check the institution's protocol and the HCP prescription to determine the correct dose. Doses of 2-3 mL containing 10 units/mL-100 units/mL, are the standard of care for flushing a CVC. Doses of 1000-10,000 units are given for cases of venous thromboembolism; therefore, this prescription is an error and should be clarified by the nurse. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that a single-dose vial or prefilled syringe be used to reduce infection risk. Heparin is a high-alert medication (at high risk for causing significant harm to the client if given in error).
(Option 1) TPN should be administered through a CVC. Because of its viscosity and high glucose, lipids, electrolytes, vitamins and minerals, it is safest when administered through a CVC or peripherally inserted central catheter.
(Option 2) According to the CDC, an occlusive dressing should be changed every 7 days. The nurse should check the institution's protocol for frequency of dressing changes.
(Option 4) The distal port of a triple lumen CVC is the largest lumen (tube) and should be used for CVP (right atrium pressure) monitoring. The distal end of the CVC is in reverse as regards the client; therefore, the distal end is at the tip of the catheter in the superior vena cava vein, closest to the right atrium of the heart.
Educational objective:
Most CVCs require intravenous heparin flushes to maintain patency and prevent clotting. Single-dose vials of 2-3 mL of 10 units/mL or 100 units/mL are the standard of care. A dose of 1000-10,000 units is given for cases of thromboembolism.
