| Problem | Nursing Interventions |
|---|---|
| Infection | |
| Local infection (pain, redness, edema) Generalized, systemic infection (elevated temperature, WBC count) | Sterile dressings; administer antibiotics as ordered; general comfort measures |
| Arterial Puncture | |
| Artery is punctured instead of vein Physician aspirates bright-red blood that is pulsating strongly | Needle is withdrawn and pressure is applied |
| Air Embolus | |
| Air enters venous system during catheter insertion or tubing changes; or catheter/tubing pull apart Chest pain, dizziness, cyanosis, confusion | STAT arterial blood gases (ABGs), chest x-ray, ECG Connect catheter to sterile syringes, and aspirate air Clean catheter tip, connect to new tubing  Place client on left side with head lowered (left Trendelenburg prevents air from going into pulmonary artery)Prevention: have client perform Valsalva maneuver or use plastic-coated clamp on catheter at insertion or tubing changes |
| Catheter Embolus | |
| Catheter must be checked for placement by x-ray and observed when removed to be sure it is intact | Careful observation of catheter Monitor for signs of distress |
| Pneumothorax | |
| If needle punctures pleura, client reports dyspnea, chest pain | May seal off or may need chest tubes |