A nurse is assessing a client following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Choice A reason: Elevating the bed to 45° increases bleeding risk at the femoral site post-catheterization; flat positioning is preferred. Assessing pulses is priority. Elevating risks hematoma, critical to avoid in ensuring vascular safety, monitoring for complications, and supporting recovery in immediate postoperative cardiac catheterization care.

Choice B reason: Assessing peripheral pulses every 15 minutes post-femoral catheterization monitors for arterial occlusion or bleeding, critical for detecting complications like hematoma or thrombosis. This ensures timely intervention, essential for vascular integrity, preventing limb ischemia, and supporting safe recovery in the immediate postoperative period.

Choice C reason: Changing the dressing 4 hours post-catheterization is premature unless soiled; initial monitoring of pulses is priority. Assuming dressing change is urgent risks disrupting the site, increasing bleeding, critical to avoid in ensuring site stability and vascular safety in immediate post-catheterization care.

Choice D reason: Flexing the right knee is contraindicated post-femoral catheterization, risking site disruption or bleeding; leg immobility is required. Assessing pulses is key. Instructing flexion risks hematoma, critical to prevent in ensuring vascular safety, monitoring complications, and supporting recovery in postoperative cardiac catheterization clients.

Choice A reason: Aspirin is contraindicated in peptic ulcer disease due to its antiplatelet and gastric irritant effects, risking bleeding or ulcer exacerbation. Acetaminophen is safer. Administering aspirin risks gastrointestinal hemorrhage, critical to avoid in ensuring safe pain management for clients with a history of peptic ulcers.

Choice B reason: Ibuprofen, an NSAID, irritates the gastric mucosa, worsening peptic ulcers and increasing bleeding risk, making it unsuitable. Acetaminophen is preferred. Administering ibuprofen risks ulcer perforation or bleeding, critical to prevent in ensuring safe headache relief for clients with a peptic ulcer history.

Choice C reason: Ketorolac, an NSAID, is contraindicated in peptic ulcer disease due to its potent gastric irritant effects, risking ulcer aggravation or bleeding. Acetaminophen is safe. Administering ketorolac risks severe gastrointestinal complications, critical to avoid in providing safe pain management for clients with peptic ulcer history.

Choice D reason: Acetaminophen is safe for headache relief in peptic ulcer clients, lacking gastric irritant effects, avoiding risks of bleeding or ulcer worsening. Administering it ensures effective pain management, critical for client comfort, preventing gastrointestinal complications, and supporting safe care in clients with a history of peptic ulcers.