One hour following cardiac catheterization via the left femoral site, a client reports feeling weak and dizzy. Assessment reveals that the client's dressing is dry and intact. Which action should the nurse take next?
Measure vital signs and telemetry pattern.
Palpate and compare pedal pulse volumes.
Measure post-procedure intake and output.
Remove the dressing and observe the site.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: After cardiac catheterization, monitoring the client's vital signs and telemetry pattern is crucial, especially when symptoms like weakness and dizziness are reported. These symptoms could indicate serious complications such as bleeding, arrhythmia, or cardiac tamponade. Monitoring vital signs can help detect hypotension, hemorrhage, or other hemodynamic instabilities. Telemetry is crucial for detecting arrhythmias that may require immediate intervention.
Choice B reason: Palpating and comparing pedal pulse volumes is an important step to assess for vascular complications such as thrombosis or embolism. However, it is not the immediate priority when a client reports systemic symptoms like weakness and dizziness, which could be signs of more serious conditions.
Choice C reason: Measuring post-procedure intake and output is part of routine postoperative care to ensure proper fluid balance. While important, it is not the most critical action to take when a client is experiencing acute symptoms that could indicate life-threatening complications.
Choice D reason: Removing the dressing and observing the site might be indicated if there is suspicion of bleeding or hematoma formation at the catheterization site. However, since the dressing is reported to be dry and intact, and the client is experiencing systemic symptoms, the priority is to assess for potential systemic complications first.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Encouraging the client to lie still during the assessment is not advisable as it does not provide an accurate representation of the client's functional abilities and needs during rehabilitation.
Choice B reason: While understanding episodes of sundowning can be part of a comprehensive assessment, it is not the action the nurse should implement during a functional assessment aimed at determining the client's physical capabilities.
Choice C reason: Assisting with values clarification about end-of-life care options is important but is not the primary focus of a functional assessment in a rehabilitation setting.
Choice D reason: Questioning the client about the frequency of falls is crucial as it helps assess the risk of future falls and the need for interventions to prevent them, which is a key component of functional assessments in rehabilitation settings.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Eating high-protein foods to achieve ideal body weight is generally a healthy practice, but it is not directly related to the management of the client's current condition involving pain in the toe.
Choice B reason: Patients with gouty arthritis should avoid acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) as it can lead to an increase in uric acid levels, potentially exacerbating gout attacks. Instead, medications that do not affect uric acid levels should be used for pain relief.
Choice C reason: Wrapping joints with an elastic bandage can provide support and reduce swelling, but it is not the primary intervention for sudden pain in the toe following an appendectomy, especially when the patient has a history of gouty arthritis.
Choice D reason: Supporting joints in an extended position while resting can provide comfort and may prevent stiffness, but it does not address the acute management of gouty arthritis or diabetic complications that could be causing toe pain.
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