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: Keeping electrical wires hidden from view is essential to prevent toddlers from pulling on them, which can lead to electrical burns or other injuries. It is a proactive measure to ensure a safe environment for children who are naturally curious and prone to exploring with their hands.
Choice B reason: Turning pot handles toward the front of the stove is dangerous as it increases the risk of toddlers reaching up and pulling hot contents onto themselves. The correct practice is to turn pot handles toward the back of the stove to keep them out of reach of children.
Choice C reason: Encouraging outdoor activities between the hours of 11:00 and 13:00 can expose toddlers to the sun's peak intensity, increasing the risk of sunburn. It is safer to encourage outdoor activities outside these hours when the sun is less intense.
Choice D reason: Setting the water heater to 60°C (140°F) is too high and poses a scalding risk. The recommended temperature to prevent burns is 49°C (120°F), which is hot enough for household use but not so hot as to cause immediate burns upon contact.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Using a bulb syringe to suction the nares is a common practice for clearing nasal passages in infants, but it is not the primary concern for an infant with a tracheostomy, which requires specific care to maintain airway patency.
Choice B reason: Providing antibiotic therapy may be necessary if there is an infection, but it is not a standard care action for a tracheostomy without evidence of infection.
Choice C reason: Administering intermittent suction via the tracheostomy is essential to clear secretions and maintain airway patency, which is the greatest risk for an infant with a tracheostomy.
Choice D reason: Placing an infant in a prone position to sleep is not recommended due to the increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Infants should be placed on their backs to sleep.
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