What is a potential complication when placing a right double lumen central line?

What is a potential complication when placing a right double lumen central line?

• A. Hemothorax
• B. Dysrhythmias
• C. Infection
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Placing a right double lumen central line can indeed lead to several potential complications. One significant risk is hemothorax, which may occur if the needle inadvertently punctures a blood vessel during the insertion process. This complication can lead to bleeding in the thoracic cavity, potentially requiring further intervention. Dysrhythmias can also be a concern during the placement of a central line, particularly if the catheter tip inadvertently contacts the heart or if there's irritation of the cardiac tissue. This could result in abnormal heart rhythms, which may be life-threatening. Additionally, infection is a common risk associated with central line placements due to the invasive nature of the procedure, which introduces a pathway for pathogens into the bloodstream. The insertion site and the line itself can become sources of infection if not properly managed. Since all of these complications can arise from the placement of a right double lumen central line, the correct answer encompasses them all, reflecting the comprehensive understanding required for safe and effective practice in central line management.

Placing a right double lumen central line can indeed lead to several potential complications. One significant risk is hemothorax, which may occur if the needle inadvertently punctures a blood vessel during the insertion process. This complication can lead to bleeding in the thoracic cavity, potentially requiring further intervention.

Dysrhythmias can also be a concern during the placement of a central line, particularly if the catheter tip inadvertently contacts the heart or if there's irritation of the cardiac tissue. This could result in abnormal heart rhythms, which may be life-threatening.

Additionally, infection is a common risk associated with central line placements due to the invasive nature of the procedure, which introduces a pathway for pathogens into the bloodstream. The insertion site and the line itself can become sources of infection if not properly managed.

Since all of these complications can arise from the placement of a right double lumen central line, the correct answer encompasses them all, reflecting the comprehensive understanding required for safe and effective practice in central line management.