A client with a new peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line complains of sudden onset of ipsilateral shoulder pain and swelling in the arm where the PICC was inserted. What should be the nurse's priority action?

Question: A client with a new peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line complains of sudden onset of ipsilateral shoulder pain and swelling in the arm where the PICC was inserted. What should be the nurse's priority action?

Answer options:

• Administer a warm compress to the shoulder.
• Elevate the extremity and apply a cold compress. ✅ Measure the circumference of both arms and notify the healthcare provider.
• Flush the PICC line vigorously to check for patency.

Correct answer: Measure the circumference of both arms and notify the healthcare provider.

Explanation: New onset shoulder pain and arm swelling ipsilateral to a PICC line can indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially serious complication. Measuring arm circumferences provides objective data for comparison, and notifying the healthcare provider is crucial for further diagnostic evaluation and treatment.