A nurse is assessing a client who is 48 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Choice A rationale

A mesh-like device within the catheter that springs open is characteristic of a stent, not a balloon-tipped catheter used in PTCA. Stents are often used in conjunction with angioplasty to keep the artery open after the balloon has compressed the plaque.

Choice B rationale

While catheters can be used to take pressure measurements, this is not the primary function of the balloon-tipped catheter in PTCA. The main purpose of the balloon-tipped catheter is to compress the plaque against the artery wall to improve blood flow.

Choice C rationale

The balloon-tipped catheter in PTCA is used to compress the plaque against the coronary blood vessel wall. This process, known as balloon angioplasty, helps to widen the artery and improve blood flow to the heart.

Choice D rationale

Cutting away plaque with an embedded blade is a description of atherectomy, not PTCA. Atherectomy involves a different type of catheter designed to remove plaque from the artery wall.

Choice A rationale

Inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube is not the first priority in managing a client with gastrointestinal bleeding. The primary concern is to stabilize the client and assess their condition. Inserting an NG tube can be considered later to decompress the stomach and assess the extent of bleeding, but it is not the initial step.

Choice B rationale

Asking the client about the precipitating events is important for gathering information, but it is not the first priority. The immediate focus should be on assessing the client’s current condition and stabilizing them. Once the client is stable, a detailed history can be obtained.

Choice C rationale

Obtaining vital signs is the first priority in managing a client with gastrointestinal bleeding. Vital signs provide critical information about the client’s hemodynamic status and help determine the severity of the bleeding. This information is essential for guiding further interventions and ensuring the client’s stability.

Choice D rationale

Completing a head-to-toe assessment is important, but it is not the first priority. The initial focus should be on assessing the client’s vital signs to determine their hemodynamic status. A comprehensive assessment can be performed once the client’s immediate condition is stabilized.