A nurse is assessing a toddler who is 8 hr postoperative following a cardiac catheterization procedure. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Bilateral cool extremities
Blood pressure 102/58 mm Hg
Serum glucose 90 mg/dL
Weak pedal pulse distal to the site
The Correct Answer is D
A. Bilateral cool extremities can be common after a cardiac catheterization due to transient vasoconstriction but is not necessarily an immediate concern if perfusion remains adequate.
B. Blood pressure of 102/58 mm Hg is within the normal range for a toddler and does not require reporting.
C. Serum glucose of 90 mg/dL is within normal limits for a toddler and does not indicate a complication.
D. Weak pedal pulse distal to the site should be reported because it may indicate arterial occlusion or compromised circulation following the procedure. While pulses may initially be weak due to swelling, they should not be absent or significantly diminished over time.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Applying warming blankets is important for maintaining the child's body temperature, but it is not the top priority in this situation.
B. Administering an IV bolus may be necessary, but it is not the priority action. The child's airway and breathing take precedence.
C. This is the correct action. In cases of submersion injury, there is a risk of respiratory distress or failure due to aspiration of water. Assisting with intubation helps ensure a patent airway and adequate oxygenation.
D. Obtaining an arterial blood gas (ABG) sample is an important assessment, but it is not the top priority. Ensuring a patent airway and providing adequate oxygenation come first.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Starting the IV in the infant's foot is not the preferred site for a 12-month-old who is ambulatory or beginning to walk, as it can interfere with mobility. The hand, forearm, or scalp (if necessary) are preferred sites.
B. Using a 24-gauge catheter is the correct choice, as smaller-gauge catheters (24- to 26-gauge) are appropriate for infants to minimize trauma and facilitate proper IV access.
C. Changing the IV site every 3 days is a general guideline for adults, but in infants, the site should be assessed frequently and changed as needed based on signs of infiltration or complications.
D. Covering the insertion site with an opaque dressing is incorrect because a transparent dressing is preferred to allow for continuous assessment of the site for complications such as infiltration or phlebitis.
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