When a practical nurse reports an inflamed insertion site of a central venous catheter, what action should the charge nurse take?

The most appropriate action for the charge nurse when a practical nurse reports an inflamed insertion site of a central venous catheter is to confirm the findings of the practical nurse and notify the healthcare provider. This approach is essential because the observation of inflammation could indicate potential complications such as infection, phlebitis, or thrombosis, which require further assessment and possible intervention.

By confirming the findings, the charge nurse ensures that there is accurate and objective evidence of the condition before escalating the situation to the healthcare provider. Notifying the healthcare provider is crucial as they need to assess the situation and possibly provide orders for treatment, which may include further diagnostic evaluations or changes in the management of the catheter.

Taking these steps prioritizes patient safety and ensures that appropriate clinical guidelines are followed in response to changes in the patient’s condition. Therefore, this option emphasizes collaboration within the healthcare team and supports the monitoring and maintenance of best practices in caring for central venous catheters.