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Which action is the nurse's priority when caring for a client with a central venous catheter (CVC) who reports feeling nauseated and chilled, with the CVC insertion site red and inflamed?

Administer ondansetron 4 mg IV push PRN for nausea or vomiting

Focusing on the situation where a client with a central venous catheter exhibits nausea, chills, and a reddened, inflamed insertion site, addressing the problem promptly is crucial. The symptoms suggest a potential infection or complication related to the CVC, making it the nurse’s responsibility to assess and prioritize interventions accordingly. In this context, administering ondansetron is appropriate as it effectively manages nausea, providing immediate comfort to the patient. Alleviating nausea can help the patient feel more stable, allowing the nurse to perform necessary assessments and interventions without further distress. This action addresses a symptom directly impacting the patient's comfort and willingness to engage in further medical evaluations or treatments. While there may be other necessary actions, such as documenting the issue or treating a suspected infection, the immediate need to secure symptom relief takes precedence. By ensuring the patient is as comfortable as possible, the nurse can proceed to implement further evidence-based interventions effectively.

Document the occurrence and notify the hospital's epidemiology team

Initiate the first dose of IV piperacillin/tazobactam via a new peripheral IV

Obtain blood cultures and discontinue the central venous catheter

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