A client is recovering in the critical care unit following a cardiac catheterization.

Intravenous (IV) nitroglycerin and heparin are infusing.

The client is sedated but responds to verbal instructions.

After changing positions, the client complains of pain at the right groin insertion site.

Which action should the nurse implement?

Choice A rationale:

Urticaria is a skin condition characterized by the sudden appearance of raised, itchy, and red welts on the skin. It is an objective finding because it can be observed and assessed visually. The presence of urticaria may indicate an allergic reaction or another underlying condition.

Choice B rationale:

Hypertension is a subjective finding because it cannot be directly observed. It requires blood pressure measurement to confirm, making it a subjective parameter.

Choice C rationale:

Diaphoresis refers to excessive sweating, which can be observed and assessed visually. It is an objective finding and may be indicative of various conditions, including anxiety or fever.

Choice D rationale:

Nausea is a subjective symptom because it is a sensation that the client experiences and reports. It cannot be directly observed by the nurse, making it a subjective parameter.

Choice E rationale:

Anxiety is a subjective symptom, as it is a mental and emotional state experienced by the client. It cannot be directly observed, making it a subjective parameter.

Choice F rationale:

Edema is an objective finding because it can be visually assessed by the nurse. Edema is the accumulation of excess fluid in body tissues, and its presence or absence can be objectively determined.

Choice A rationale:

A Speech Therapist is crucial in this case. The patient presented with garbled speech, which indicates a possible speech impairment. A speech therapist can evaluate the patient’s speech and language skills and provide therapy to improve any deficits, which can significantly enhance the patient’s quality of life.

Choice B rationale:

A Case Manager is essential in coordinating the patient’s care. They ensure that the patient’s healthcare needs are met and that the patient is receiving appropriate treatments. They also coordinate with various healthcare professionals and may assist with insurance issues or discharge planning.

Choice C rationale:

A Physical Therapist can help the patient regain physical strength and mobility that might have been affected by the stroke. They can provide exercises and treatments to improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength, which can help the patient regain independence in their daily activities.

Choice D rationale:

A Pharmacy Technician is not typically involved in direct patient care or recovery. Their role is more focused on assisting pharmacists with dispensing medication and other administrative tasks in a pharmacy setting.

Choice E rationale:

The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is a high-level executive role that oversees nursing staff across an entire healthcare organization. While they play a crucial role in ensuring quality nursing care, they would not be directly involved in individual patient recovery.

Choice F rationale:

A Respiratory Therapist could be helpful if the patient had respiratory issues or complications related to the stroke, but given the information provided, it does not appear that respiratory therapy is needed in this case.

Choice G rationale:

A Medical Assistant typically performs administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings but does not specialize in rehabilitation or recovery care for stroke patients.

Choice H rationale:

An Occupational Therapist is vital for stroke recovery. They can help the patient regain skills needed for daily living activities that might have been affected by the stroke, such as eating, dressing, and bathing. They can also provide strategies to compensate for any lasting deficits from the stroke. In summary, for a comprehensive recovery plan for this patient who has had a stroke, an interdisciplinary team involving a Speech Therapist (A), Case Manager (B), Physical Therapist ©, and Occupational Therapist (H) would be most beneficial.