A nurse is providing postoperative care for a child following an arterial cardiac catheterization. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Remove the child's pressure dressing after the first 4 hours.
Maintain the child's NPO status for 4 to 6 hours.
Keep the affected extremity straight for at least 6 hours.
Monitor output using an indwelling urinary catheter for the first 24 hours.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Removing the child's pressure dressing after the first 4 hours is not recommended as it may increase the risk of bleeding. The pressure dressing is typically kept in place longer to ensure hemostasis.
Choice B reason: Maintaining the child's NPO status for 4 to 6 hours post-procedure is a standard practice to prevent nausea and vomiting while anesthesia wears off, but it is not the most critical action in this context.
Choice C reason: Keeping the affected extremity straight for at least 6 hours is essential to prevent bleeding from the catheterization site. This is a critical postoperative care step following arterial cardiac catheterization.
Choice D reason: Monitoring output using an indwelling urinary catheter for the first 24 hours is important for assessing kidney function and fluid balance but is not the immediate priority post-cardiac catheterization.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A creatinine level of 1.4 mg/dL is higher than the normal range for a 4-year-old child and could indicate kidney impairment, which is a concern when administering gentamicin due to its potential nephrotoxic effects. The provider should be informed immediately to assess kidney function and adjust the medication if necessary.
Choice B reason: A BUN level of 6 mg/dL is within the normal range for children and does not typically warrant immediate concern. However, it should be monitored along with creatinine levels to assess kidney function.
Choice C reason: A creatinine level of 0.3 mg/dL is within the normal range for a 4-year-old child and does not indicate an immediate concern. It should be monitored for any changes, especially when on gentamicin.
Choice D reason: A BUN level of 12 mg/dL is slightly elevated but may not be immediately concerning. It should be evaluated in conjunction with other laboratory values and clinical findings.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A blood pressure reading of 150/90 mmHg is significantly high for a 7-year-old child and indicates hypertension, which can be a serious complication of acute glomerulonephritis. It is a priority to report this finding to the provider as it may require immediate intervention.
Choice B reason: A BUN level of 20 mg/dL is within the normal range for children and is not typically a cause for immediate concern. However, it should be monitored along with other kidney function tests.
Choice C reason: Urine protein of 12 mg/dL is a common finding in acute glomerulonephritis due to increased permeability of the glomerular membrane. It is important but not as urgent as the blood pressure finding.
Choice D reason: 2+ pedal edema is a sign of fluid retention, which is expected in acute glomerulonephritis. While it should be addressed, it is not as immediately concerning as severe hypertension.
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