A client arrives for an annual physical exam and reports having calf pain. The client's health history includes peripheral arterial disease. Which question should the nurse ask the client about expected findings related to chronic arterial symptoms?

Choice A reason: Encouraging the client to lie still during the assessment is not advisable as it does not provide an accurate representation of the client's functional abilities and needs during rehabilitation.

Choice B reason: While understanding episodes of sundowning can be part of a comprehensive assessment, it is not the action the nurse should implement during a functional assessment aimed at determining the client's physical capabilities.

Choice C reason: Assisting with values clarification about end-of-life care options is important but is not the primary focus of a functional assessment in a rehabilitation setting.

Choice D reason: Questioning the client about the frequency of falls is crucial as it helps assess the risk of future falls and the need for interventions to prevent them, which is a key component of functional assessments in rehabilitation settings.

Choice A reason: Monitoring for fever is essential after cardiac procedures like the one described. Fever can be a sign of infection, which is a risk following any invasive procedure. Normal body temperature ranges from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C) for a typical child, but it can be slightly lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon and evening.
Choice B reason: There is no need to restrict the child to clear liquids for several days unless specifically instructed by the physician for a particular reason. After cardiac catheterization, patients are usually encouraged to resume their normal diet as tolerated to promote recovery unless there are other concerns that warrant dietary restrictions1.
Choice C reason: Avoiding baths or showers is generally recommended immediately after cardiac catheterization to prevent infection at the catheter insertion site. However, this restriction is usually only for a few days, not indefinitely. The site needs to be kept dry and clean until it has sufficiently healed.
Choice D reason: Keeping a pressure dressing on the site for one week is not typically necessary. The dressing is usually checked and changed by healthcare professionals, and the site is monitored for healing. The dressing may be removed after a certain period, often before one week, as long as there are no signs of bleeding or infection.
Choice E reason: Alerting the physician if the site bleeds or swells is crucial. Swelling or bleeding can indicate complications such as infection or hematoma formation. Parents should be instructed to look for any signs of abnormal discharge, redness, or increased pain, which could signify an infection.
Choice F reason: The child may take ibuprofen for pain, but it should be under the guidance of a physician. Ibuprofen is an NSAID that can help with pain and inflammation. However, it’s important to use the correct dosage and to ensure it doesn’t interfere with any other medications the child may be taking.