RN Exam Practice
Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 1887 of 2368

The nurse notices fluid leaking from a hole in the external part of a client's central venous catheter. Which action should the nurse take?

  1. Cover the hole with waterproof tape and continue the infusion slowly
  2. Pull the catheter out of the vein right away and apply pressure
  3. Clamp the catheter near the insertion site and cover the hole with gauze
  4. Use any available repair kit on the unit to seal the hole shut
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Correct answer: Clamp the catheter near the insertion site and cover the hole with gauze

Clamping near the insertion site stops fluid loss and air entry. Only a manufacturer-recommended kit may be used, and removal needs an order.

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