Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 741 of 2368
After removing a peripheral IV catheter, the nurse sees that the catheter tip is not intact. Which action should the nurse take?
- Document the finding and recheck the site in 4 hours
- Apply pressure and discard the catheter in the sharps container
- Notify the provider immediately
- Send the catheter tip for culture
Show answer
Correct answer: Notify the provider immediately
A broken tip can travel in the vascular system as a catheter embolism. The provider must be told immediately.
Source: Nursing Advanced Skills (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Initiate IV Therapy: Monitoring for Potential Complications. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026