A nurse is caring for a client 4 hr following a cardiac catheterization. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Nausea: While respiratory distress can lead to various symptoms, nausea is not a typical manifestation of hypoxemia during an asthma attack.

B. Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is not a direct manifestation of hypoxemia during an asthma attack. Asthma primarily affects the airways and respiratory function.

C. Hypotension: Hypotension (low blood pressure) is not typically associated with hypoxemia during an asthma attack. In fact, increased respiratory effort and stress can lead to increased heart rate and, in some cases, increased blood pressure.

D. Agitation: This is the correct answer. Hypoxemia, which occurs when there is an inadequate amount of oxygen in the blood, can lead to increased restlessness, anxiety, and agitation. Agitation is a common manifestation of the body's response to insufficient oxygenation.

Correct answer: D

A.Elevate the head of the bed 45":Do not elevate the head of the bed more than 15 degrees.Elevating the head of the bed can increase the risk of bleeding from the insertion site.

B.Keep the affected leg slightly flexed: The affected leg should be kept straight to prevent movement at the insertion site, which can cause bleeding

C. Keep the client NPO for 4 hr: There is typically no need to keep the client NPO for an extended period after a cardiac catheterization. However, individual protocols may vary, and the nurse should follow the specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider.

D.Have the client lie flat in bed: After a cardiac catheterization, it is important to keep the client lying flat to prevent bleeding or hematoma formation at the catheter insertion site. This position helps to maintain pressure on the insertion site, particularly if the catheter was inserted through the femoral artery.