What assessment should be performed on a patient with a central venous catheter?

For a patient with a central venous catheter, performing a site inspection for signs of infection is a crucial nursing assessment. Central venous catheters are invasive devices that can provide a pathway for pathogens to enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of catheter-related infections such as central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). Regularly inspecting the insertion site allows the nurse to detect early signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or other indicators of infection. This proactive approach is essential in maintaining the integrity of the catheter and ensuring patient safety.

Other assessments may be relevant for comprehensive patient care, but the focused evaluation of the catheter site takes precedence due to the direct risk associated with the device. Regular temperature checks might be part of overall monitoring, but they do not specifically address the potential complications associated with the catheter itself. Monitoring heart rhythm is more pertinent in specific clinical situations and does not relate directly to the catheter's insertion site. Assessing peripheral pulses is generally relevant for vascular assessments but is not specific to the management of a central venous catheter. Thus, ensuring the catheter site is free from infection is paramount in preventing severe complications.