Physiological AdaptationQuestion 2288 of 2368
A client with a PICC line had an upper arm circumference of 24 cm, measured 10 cm above the antecubital fossa. Today it is 27 cm. Which complication does the nurse suspect?
- Air embolism
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Pneumothorax
- Catheter breakage
Show answer
Correct answer: Deep vein thrombosis
A 3 cm increase in arm circumference suggests edema from deep vein thrombosis. The nurse should report it to the provider.
Source: Nursing Advanced Skills (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Manage Central Lines: Assessment. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026