A nurse is assisting with the care of a client 2 hr postoperative following a cardiac catheterization. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Check the client's distal pulses in both legs.
Keep the client overnight.
Keep the client on bed rest for 12 hr.
Restrict the client's oral fluids.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Check the client's distal pulses in both legs:
Checking the client's distal pulses in both legs is crucial to ensure that there is adequate blood flow and no signs of arterial occlusion or complications from the catheterization. This is an important assessment to detect potential vascular complications, such as a hematoma or an arterial blockage.
B. Keep the client overnight:
Keeping the client overnight is not typically required for all cardiac catheterization procedures. The need for an overnight stay depends on the individual case and any complications or comorbidities. Routine catheterizations often allow for discharge on the same day with appropriate monitoring.
C. Keep the client on bed rest for 12 hr:
Keeping the client on bed rest for 12 hours is excessive. Typically, bed rest is required for 2 to 6 hours following the procedure to allow the puncture site to stabilize and reduce the risk of bleeding. The exact duration of bed rest depends on the approach used and the patient's condition.
D. Restrict the client's oral fluids:
Restricting the client's oral fluids is generally not appropriate. In fact, increasing fluid intake is often encouraged to help flush out the contrast dye used during the procedure and to prevent renal complications. Monitoring for fluid balance is important, but outright restriction is not typically indicated unless there is a specific medical reason.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Insert the IV catheter:
Inserting an IV catheter is necessary to administer IV fluids and medications. However, it is not the most immediate need. The priority is to address the client's oxygenation status first to stabilize them before proceeding with other interventions.
B. Obtain a blood sample:
Obtaining a blood sample for cardiac enzyme levels is important to diagnose a myocardial infarction. Nevertheless, this step should be taken after ensuring the client is receiving adequate oxygen, as hypoxia needs to be addressed immediately.
C. Attach the leads for a 12-lead ECG:
Attaching the leads for a 12-lead ECG is crucial for diagnosing the client's cardiac condition. However, it should be done after initiating oxygen therapy, as improving the client's oxygenation status is more urgent and can help stabilize the client for further diagnostic procedures.
D. Initiate oxygen therapy:
Initiating oxygen therapy is the most critical first action. The client is experiencing severe chest pain, shortness of breath, and signs of cyanosis, indicating that their oxygen levels are insufficient. Providing oxygen at 4 L/min via nasal cannula will help alleviate hypoxia, improve the client's condition, and provide time for further diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Obtain the client’s consent: It is not the nurse’s responsibility to obtain the client’s consent for a procedure. This responsibility lies with the healthcare provider performing the procedure.
B. Describe the consequences of forgoing treatment: While it’s important for the client to understand the consequences of not undergoing the procedure, it is the healthcare provider’s responsibility to explain these consequences, not the nurses.
C. Witness the client’s signature: This is correct. The nurse’s role in the informed consent process is to witness the client’s signature on the consent form and to verify that the client is consenting voluntarily and appears to be competent to do so.
D. Explain the risks and benefits of the procedure: While the nurse can reinforce information, it is the healthcare provider’s responsibility to explain the risks and benefits of the procedure. The nurse should ensure that the client understands the information provided by the healthcare provider
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