A nurse is caring for a school-age child who underwent a tuberculin skin test 3 days ago and has a 3-mm induration at the test site. The nurse should identify this finding as which of the following?

A. Monitor output using an indwelling urinary catheter for the first 24 hr: Routine urinary catheterization is not indicated following cardiac catheterization and increases the risk of infection. Urine output can be monitored without an indwelling catheter unless there is a specific clinical indication.

B. Remove the child's pressure dressing after the first 4 hr: Pressure dressings are typically maintained longer to prevent bleeding or hematoma formation at the arterial insertion site. Premature removal can increase the risk of hemorrhage.

C. Maintain the child's NPO status for 4 to 6 hr: Oral intake is usually resumed once the child is fully awake and gag reflex has returned. Prolonged NPO status is unnecessary unless otherwise prescribed and does not address the primary postoperative concern.

D. Keep the affected extremity straight for at least 6 hr: Keeping the extremity straight helps prevent bleeding and allows proper clot formation at the arterial access site. This is a key nursing intervention following arterial cardiac catheterization to reduce complications such as hematoma or hemorrhage.

A. "Let me explain the consequences of not having this surgery.": While providing information about risks and benefits is important, this approach can come across as pressuring or judgmental. It does not validate the parent's feelings or ensure their concerns are addressed before the provider intervenes.

B. "You have already signed the consent form for surgery.": This statement can make the parent feel dismissed or coerced, undermining trust. Consent is an ongoing process, and parents have the right to reconsider or ask questions at any point before surgery.

C. "I will notify the provider of your concerns about this surgery.": Notifying the provider respects the parent's autonomy and ensures that their concerns are addressed by the appropriate healthcare professional. It supports open communication, promotes shared decision-making, and ensures informed consent is maintained.

D. "You have the best cardiovascular surgical team.": Offering reassurance about the surgical team may seem supportive, but it does not address the parent's uncertainty or provide an avenue for resolving their concerns. Emotional validation and provider involvement are more appropriate in this context.