A nurse is caring for a school-age child who is 2 hr postoperative following cardiac catheterization.
The nurse observes blood on the child’s dressing.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Apply intermittent pressure 2.5 cm (1 in) above the percutaneous skin site.
Apply intermittent pressure 2.5 cm (1 in) below the percutaneous skin site.
Apply continuous pressure 2.5 cm (1 in) below the percutaneous skin site.
Apply continuous pressure 2.5 cm (1 in) above the percutaneous skin site.
The Correct Answer is D
This is because bleeding after a cardiac catheterization is a possible complication that can occur when a catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin or arm to examine the heart. Bleeding can drip or spurt from the puncture site, or form a lump under the skin called a hematoma. Applying continuous pressure above the site can help stop the bleeding and prevent hematoma formation.
Choice A is wrong because applying intermittent pressure 2.5 cm (1 in) above the percutaneous skin site may not be enough to control the bleeding and may increase the risk of hematoma.
Choice B is wrong because applying intermittent pressure 2.5 cm (1 in) below the percutaneous skin site may not be effective and may cause more damage to the artery.
Choice C is wrong because applying continuous pressure 2.5 cm (1 in) below the percutaneous skin site may also be ineffective and harmful to the artery.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because a normal FHR baseline is between 110 and 160 bpm, and anything above or below this range indicates fetal distress and should be reported to the provider. An FHR baseline of 170/min could indicate fetal tachycardia, which could be caused by maternal fever, infection, dehydration, fetal anemia, or fetal hypoxia.
Choice A is wrong because early decelerations in the FHR are normal and benign, and indicate head compression during contractions.
They do not require any intervention or reporting.
Choice B is wrong because contractions lasting 80 seconds are within the normal range for active labor, which is 40 to 90 seconds per contraction.
They do not indicate any complication or abnormality.
Choice D is wrong because a temperature of 37.4° C (99.3° F) is slightly elevated but not considered a fever. A fever is defined as a temperature of 38° C (100.4° F) or higher.
A mild increase in temperature could be due to dehydration, exertion, or environmental factors, and does not necessarily indicate infection or inflammation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choiceD. Remind the client to use the incentive spirometer.
Choice A rationale:
Observing the position of the suspended weight requires clinical judgment to ensure proper alignment and effectiveness of the traction, which is beyond the scope of practice for assistive personnel.
Choice B rationale:
Checking the client’s pedal pulse on the right leg involves assessing circulation, which is a clinical task that should be performed by a licensed nurse.
Choice C rationale:
Asking the client to describe her pain involves pain assessment, which requires clinical judgment and should be done by a nurse.
Choice D rationale:
Reminding the client to use the incentive spirometer is a task that can be delegated to assistive personnel as it involves reinforcing previously taught instructions without requiring clinical judgment.
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