Review the EKG shown below, which displays rapid, erratic electrical impulses causing ineffective quivering instead of coordinated contraction.
What should be the nurse’s initial intervention?

Choice A rationale

Assessing pulses in the affected arm ensures proper blood flow and identifies potential complications like arterial occlusion following cardiac catheterization. Monitoring for changes can prevent severe outcomes. Normal pulse rates: 60-100 bpm.

Choice B rationale

Keeping the client NPO post-procedure is unnecessary as food and liquids can typically be resumed once the patient is stable, unless specific medical instructions indicate otherwise.

Choice C rationale

Light pressure on the insertion site is insufficient for hemostasis. Firm pressure for 10-15 minutes is necessary to prevent bleeding and hematoma formation, especially in arterial catheterization sites.

Choice D rationale

Immediate ambulation post-cardiac catheterization risks bleeding and hematoma at the insertion site. Bed rest and activity restrictions should be maintained until hemostasis is confirmed, typically for 2-6 hours.

Choice A rationale

Cold therapy is used for acute injuries to reduce swelling and pain but is not recommended for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as it can cause vasoconstriction and worsen the condition.

Choice B rationale

Homan's sign is an outdated diagnostic tool for DVT as it is not reliable or specific and can result in false positives or negatives, thus not recommended for diagnosis.

Choice C rationale

Venous duplex ultrasound is the gold standard for diagnosing DVT as it visualizes blood flow and identifies thrombi within the veins, providing accurate and non-invasive detection.

Choice D rationale

Impedance plethysmography measures changes in blood volume but is less accurate than venous duplex ultrasound, and its use has declined in favor of more reliable imaging techniques.