RN Exam Practice
Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 1886 of 2368

A client just had a subclavian central line placed and now reports sharp chest pain that worsens with inspiration and shortness of breath. Which action should the nurse take?

  1. Place the client on the left side with the head down and monitor the oxygen saturation
  2. Stay with the client, give high-flow oxygen, and have a colleague call the rapid response team
  3. Flush the catheter with 10 mL of saline and then check for a blood return
  4. Reassure the client that the pain is expected and recheck in about one hour
Show answer

Correct answer: Stay with the client, give high-flow oxygen, and have a colleague call the rapid response team

These symptoms suggest a pneumothorax from insertion. The client needs oxygen and urgent help, and a chest tube may be needed if hypoxic.

Source: Nursing Advanced Skills (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Manage Central Lines: Potential Complications and Unexpected Outcomes of CVADs. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026