Question

Which of the following is (are) potential complication(s) associated with arterial line placement?

A) Infection
B) Bleeding/hematoma
C) Thrombosis/limb ischemia
D) Nerve injury
E) All of the above

Answer 1

Arterial line placement can lead to various complications such as infection, bleeding/hematoma, thrombosis/limb ischemia, and nerve injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

Arterial line placement is a procedure in which a thin, flexible catheter is inserted into an artery to monitor blood pressure and obtain blood samples. There are several potential complications associated with arterial line placement, including:

1. Infection: The site where the catheter is inserted can become infected, leading to pain, redness, and swelling.
2. Bleeding/hematoma: If the artery is not properly punctured or if there is excessive bleeding, a hematoma (a collection of blood) can form at the site.
3. Thrombosis/limb ischemia: Blood clots can form around the catheter, blocking blood flow and causing limb ischemia (restricted blood supply to the limb).
4. Nerve injury: In rare cases, the catheter can damage nearby nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Therefore, the correct answer is E) All of the above.