What should be monitored after a client has a central venous catheter placed?

Monitoring for signs of infection and thrombosis after a central venous catheter (CVC) placement is crucial due to the invasive nature of the procedure and the potential complications that can arise. A central venous catheter is inserted into a large vein, providing direct access to the central circulation, which can increase the risk of infection at the insertion site and contribute to the development of thrombosis due to irritation of the vessel and blood flow changes.

Infection can manifest as redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or discharge at the catheter site, and in more severe cases, systemic signs such as fever may occur. Early identification of these signs can help initiate prompt treatment and prevent further complications.

Thrombosis may occur when a clot forms in the vein due to the presence of the catheter, which can lead to complications such as compromised blood flow, swelling of the limb, or even pulmonary embolism if a clot dislodges. Identifying symptoms of thrombosis, which may include swelling, pain, and discoloration at the catheter site, enables timely intervention.

Other options presented do not encompass the comprehensive monitoring needed for a patient with a central venous catheter. While temperature and diet can be important in overall patient assessment, and gastrointestinal symptoms could be relevant in certain