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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the most immediate and important action to take to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19, especially in a healthcare setting where there is a risk of infecting others.
Choice B reason: While placing the swab in a biohazard bag is a standard procedure, it is not as critical as isolating the patient to prevent transmission.
Choice C reason: Assisting the client to recall contacts is important for contact tracing, but it is secondary to immediate infection control measures within the clinic.
Choice D reason: Educating the client on preventive measures is important, but it does not take precedence over immediate actions to prevent the spread of infection in the clinic.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The priority is to manage the client's severe pain, which can be achieved through the administration of an IV analgesic. Effective pain management is crucial for postoperative recovery and can prevent complications related to increased pain, such as elevated heart rate and blood pressure.
Choice B reason: While assessing the IV site for patency is important, it is not the most critical intervention when a client is experiencing severe pain.
Choice C reason: Providing a pillow for splinting can help with pain management during movement or coughing but does not directly address the immediate need for pain relief.
Choice D reason: Placing the client in a high-Fowler's position may aid in comfort and breathing but is not the most important intervention for severe pain management.
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