When caring for a client with a central venous line, which of the following nursing actions should be implemented in the plan of care for chemotherapy administration? Select all that apply.
A. Administer a cytotoxic agent to keep the regimen on schedule even if blood return is not present.
B. If unable to aspirate blood, reposition the client and encourage the client to cough.
C. Contact the health care provider about verifying placement if the status is questionable.
D. Inspect the insertion site for swelling, erythema, or drainage.
E. Verify patency of the line by the presence of a blood return at regular intervals.
Correct Answer: B, C, D, and E
A major concern with the intravenous administration of cytotoxic agents is vessel irritation or extravasation. The Oncology Nursing Society and hospital guidelines require frequent evaluation of blood return when administering vesicant or non vesicant chemotherapy due to the risk of extravasation. These guidelines apply to peripheral and central venous lines. In addition, central venous lines may be long-term venous access devices. Thus, difficulty drawing or aspirating blood may indicate the line is against the vessel wall or may indicate the line has occlusion. Having the client cough or move position may change the status of the line if it is temporarily against a vessel wall. Occlusion warrants more thorough evaluation via x-ray study to verify placement if the status is questionable and may require a declotting regimen.
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