A nurse is caring for a patient immediately following a cardiac catheterization with a femoral artery approach. Which action should the nurse take?
Remind the patient not to turn from side to side.
Keep the patient in a high-Fowler’s position for 6 hours.
Perform passive range-of-motion for the affected extremity.
Check pedal pulses every 15 minutes.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
It is not necessary to remind a patient to avoid turning from side to side after femoral artery catheterization. Restricting movement in this way could actually increase the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Early ambulation is generally encouraged to promote circulation and prevent blood clots.
Patients are typically allowed to turn and reposition themselves as needed for comfort, unless there are specific contraindications.
Choice B rationale:
Keeping the patient in a high-Fowler's position for 6 hours is not a standard recommendation following femoral artery catheterization.
The patient's position should be based on their individual needs and comfort level.
In some cases, a slight elevation of the head of the bed may be helpful to promote venous return, but prolonged high-Fowler's positioning is not necessary.
Choice C rationale:
Passive range-of-motion exercises are not typically performed on the affected extremity immediately following femoral artery catheterization.
This is because there is a risk of dislodging the catheter or causing bleeding at the puncture site.
Once the catheter has been removed and the puncture site has healed, gentle range-of-motion exercises may be recommended to help maintain joint mobility.
Choice D rationale:
Checking pedal pulses every 15 minutes is essential to assess for adequate circulation to the lower extremities following femoral artery catheterization.
This is because there is a risk of complications such as thrombosis or embolism, which can compromise blood flow to the legs and feet.
If the pedal pulses are weak or absent, it could indicate a serious problem that requires immediate intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Respects patient autonomy: This response directly addresses the patient's preference and demonstrates respect for their right to make decisions about their own care. It empowers the patient by offering a solution that aligns with their stated wishes.
Promotes patient comfort: By accommodating the patient's preference, the nurse can help to create a more comfortable and trusting environment, which can lead to better patient outcomes.
Protects patient privacy: Personal hygiene care often involves exposure of sensitive body parts and can be a source of embarrassment or anxiety for some patients. Ensuring that the patient is comfortable with the gender of the caregiver helps to protect their privacy and dignity.
Demonstrates cultural sensitivity: While not explicitly stated in the question, it's possible that the patient's preference is rooted in cultural or religious beliefs. Being sensitive to these factors is essential for providing culturally competent care.
Provides a practical solution: This response offers a concrete solution that can be easily implemented, ensuring that the patient's needs are met in a timely and efficient manner.
Choice B rationale:
May be perceived as intrusive: Asking the patient to explain their reasoning could make them feel uncomfortable or defensive. It's important to respect the patient's right to privacy and not pressure them to disclose personal information.
Could delay care: While understanding the patient's reasons may be helpful in some cases, it's not essential for providing appropriate care. Delaying care to gather this information could potentially compromise the patient's well-being.
Choice C rationale:
Dismisses patient's concerns: This response fails to acknowledge the patient's preference and could make them feel unheard or disrespected. It's important to validate the patient's feelings and concerns, even if you don't fully understand them.
May not address underlying issues: The patient's preference may be based on factors that are not related to the AP's competence or experience. Simply stating the AP's qualifications is unlikely to resolve the patient's concerns.
Choice D rationale:
Defers responsibility: While informing the charge nurse may be necessary for logistical reasons, it's important for the nurse to take ownership of the situation and address the patient's concerns directly. Deferring to another staff member could make the patient feel like their concerns are not being taken seriously.
May delay care: Involving additional staff members could potentially delay the patient's care. It's more efficient to address the patient's preference directly, if possible.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
NPO status (nothing by mouth) is not a relevant intervention in this situation. It would be indicated for a patient with gastrointestinal issues or prior to a procedure, but it does not address the potential consequences of rapid fluid administration.
Restricting oral intake would not reverse or mitigate the effects of fluid overload that may have already occurred.
It's important to prioritize assessment of the patient's respiratory status, as fluid overload can lead to pulmonary edema, a serious complication.
Rationale for Choice B:
Elevating the head of the bed to high Fowler's position can be helpful in easing breathing for patients with respiratory distress, but it's not the most immediate priority in this case.
Assessing the patient's respiratory status directly through respiratory rate and lung sounds will provide more comprehensive information about potential fluid overload and guide further interventions.
Rationale for Choice C:
Measuring the client's temperature is not directly relevant to the concern of rapid fluid administration.
While fever could be a sign of infection, which might warrant fluid administration, it's not the primary concern in this scenario.
The priority is to assess for potential fluid overload, which could manifest as respiratory distress. Rationale for Choice D:
Checking the client's respiratory rate and lung sounds is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation.
Rapid infusion of 900 mL of fluid within a short period could lead to fluid overload, which can manifest as: Increased respiratory rate
Crackles in the lungs Shortness of breath Hypoxia
Early identification of these signs is crucial for prompt intervention and prevention of serious complications.
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