Question

The physician is preparing to remove a central line. The nurse should tell the client to:

Breathe normally
Take slow, deep breaths
Take a deep breath and hold it
Breathe as quickly as possible

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the client to take a deep breath and hold it during the removal of a central line to prevent air embolism and ensure patient safety.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the removal of a central line, the nurse should instruct the client to take a deep breath and hold it. This action helps to increase intrathoracic pressure, which can help prevent air embolism during the removal of the catheter. Additionally, this breathing technique is part of a protocol to ensure patient safety, akin to checklists used by medical professionals to promote best practices and minimize complications.

For example, ICU doctors use a checklist when inserting central intravenous lines as a safety measure, and similar precautions are warranted during line removal. Understanding the necessary control of breathing is an important aspect of patient care both during and post-surgery.