Question

While assessing a radial artery catheter, the client complains of numbness and pain distal to the insertion site. What interventions should the nurse implement?

Answer 1

A nurse should assess circulation, sensation, and movement, check distal pulses, capillary refill, possibly remove the catheter to restore blood flow, elevate the limb, apply compresses, and notify the healthcare provider when a patient reports numbness and pain at the radial artery catheter site.

Step-by-step explanation:

Interventions for Radial Artery Catheter Issues When a client experiences numbness and pain distal to the radial artery catheter insertion site, a nurse should first assess the circulation, sensation, and movement (CSM) of the affected extremity. This includes checking the pulse distal to the catheter, looking for any signs of ischemia or compartment syndrome, and evaluating the capillary refill time which should be less than 2 seconds.

If the findings suggest compromised blood flow, immediate removal of the catheter might be required to restore circulation. Meanwhile, the nurse should also elevate the affected limb to reduce swelling, apply warm or cold compresses as appropriate, and notify the healthcare provider promptly. Proper documentation of the incident and the interventions taken is also crucial.