A client recovering in the intensive care unit following a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and stent placement is receiving an IV infusion of tirofiban and has a compression device on the right inguinal PCI access site. When the client reports pain at the PCI access site, which action should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Blood pressure of 142/88 mm Hg indicates mild hypertension but does not directly affect pulse oximetry, which measures arterial oxygen saturation via hemoglobin light absorption. Hypertension does not typically cause hypoxemia (91% SpO₂). Edema is more likely, as it disrupts sensor accuracy, leading to false low readings.

Choice B reason: 2+ edema in fingers and hands impairs pulse oximeter accuracy, as fluid in tissues scatters light, reducing the sensor’s ability to detect arterial hemoglobin saturation. This causes falsely low SpO₂ readings (91%), common in edema from heart failure, making it the primary contributor to the inaccurate measurement.

Choice C reason: A radial pulse volume of 3+ indicates strong arterial flow, supporting accurate pulse oximetry by ensuring perfusion. This does not explain a low SpO₂ of 91%, as strong pulses enhance sensor reliability. Edema’s interference with light transmission is more likely to cause the reduced reading.

Choice D reason: Capillary refill of 2 seconds is normal, indicating adequate perfusion. This does not contribute to a low SpO₂ (91%), as pulse oximetry measures arterial flow, not capillary dynamics. Edema disrupts light transmission, causing inaccurate readings, making it the most likely cause of the observed saturation.

Choice A reason: Evaluating urinary output hourly monitors renal function post-ureterolithotomy, as obstruction or complications may reduce output. However, urine leakage around the catheter suggests dislodgement or ureteral injury, risking peritonitis or infection. Reporting leakage is more urgent, as it indicates a critical catheter malfunction requiring immediate medical attention.

Choice B reason: Clamping the ureteral catheter risks obstructing urine flow, increasing pressure and causing ureteral damage or reflux, potentially leading to hydronephrosis or infection. Leakage around the catheter is a more pressing issue, indicating possible perforation or displacement, necessitating urgent reporting to prevent severe complications.

Choice C reason: Securing the catheter prevents dislodgement but is routine. Urine leakage suggests a critical issue like catheter malfunction or ureteral injury, which could cause peritonitis or fistula. Reporting leakage takes precedence, as it addresses a potentially life-threatening complication, ensuring timely intervention over standard catheter care.

Choice D reason: Reporting urine leakage is critical, as it may indicate catheter displacement or ureteral perforation, risking peritonitis or infection. Leakage suggests the catheter fails to drain urine properly, a serious post-surgical issue requiring immediate assessment, potentially via imaging or surgical correction, to prevent renal or systemic complications.