A newly licensed nurse is assessing a client who had a cardiac catheterization with a right femoral insertion site. Which of the following pulses should the nurse palpate?
Brachial pulse in the right upper extremity
Pedal pulses in the right lower extremity
Popliteal pulse in the left lower extremity
Radial pulse in the right upper extremity
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Palpating the brachial pulse in the right upper extremity is irrelevant for a right femoral catheterization. The brachial pulse assesses arm circulation, not the lower extremity, where the procedure occurred. Monitoring distal pulses in the affected leg is critical to detect vascular complications like arterial occlusion.
Choice B reason: Pedal pulses (dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial) in the right lower extremity must be palpated post-right femoral catheterization. These distal pulses indicate adequate blood flow to the limb, detecting complications like thrombosis or arterial occlusion at the puncture site, ensuring no compromise to leg perfusion.
Choice C reason: Palpating the popliteal pulse in the left lower extremity is incorrect, as the catheterization was performed on the right side. Assessing the unaffected leg does not provide information about potential vascular complications, such as occlusion or bleeding, specific to the right femoral insertion site.
Choice D reason: The radial pulse in the right upper extremity assesses arm circulation, not relevant to a right femoral catheterization. Monitoring pulses in the affected leg (right pedal pulses) is essential to evaluate for vascular complications like reduced perfusion or thrombosis at the femoral site.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Wearing a sequential compression device is recommended post-surgery to prevent venous thromboembolism. It promotes venous blood flow in the legs, reducing stasis, a key risk factor for clot formation. This action supports VTE prevention by enhancing circulation, making it appropriate and not to be avoided.
Choice B reason: Elevating the feet post-surgery aids venous return, reducing blood pooling in the legs, a risk factor for venous thromboembolism. This action decreases stasis and supports circulation, making it a beneficial practice for VTE prevention, not one to avoid in postoperative recovery.
Choice C reason: Massaging the legs should be avoided post-surgery, as it risks dislodging a formed clot, potentially causing a pulmonary embolism. In clients at risk for VTE, massage can mobilize thrombi from deep veins, leading to life-threatening complications, making this a critical action to avoid.
Choice D reason: Ambulating soon after surgery is encouraged to prevent venous thromboembolism. Early mobility promotes venous blood flow, reducing stasis, a major risk factor for clot formation. This action supports circulation and VTE prevention, making it appropriate and not something to avoid in postoperative care.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: In normal sinus rhythm, the P wave precedes the QRS complex, indicating atrial depolarization followed by ventricular depolarization. This reflects proper electrical conduction from the sinoatrial node through the atria to the ventricles, with a P-R interval of 0.12–0.20 seconds, a hallmark of normal heart rhythm.
Choice B reason: A QRS duration of 0.35 seconds is abnormal, indicating delayed ventricular depolarization (normal is 0.06–0.12 seconds). This could suggest bundle branch block or other conduction abnormalities, not consistent with normal sinus rhythm, which requires a narrow QRS and proper P wave-QRS sequence.
Choice C reason: A P wave appearing after the QRS complex is not normal sinus rhythm. This may indicate retrograde conduction, as in junctional rhythms, where ventricular depolarization precedes atrial activity. Normal sinus rhythm requires the P wave to precede the QRS, reflecting proper atrial-to-ventricular conduction.
Choice D reason: A P-R interval of 0.40 seconds is prolonged (normal is 0.12–0.20 seconds), suggesting first-degree heart block, not normal sinus rhythm. This delay in conduction from atria to ventricles disrupts the normal timing of electrical impulses, disqualifying it as a characteristic of normal sinus rhythm.
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