A nurse is caring for a client following a cardiac catheterization through the left groin. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Monitor the dorsalis pedis pulse every 15 min.
Place the client in Fowler's position.
Keep the client NPO for 24 hr.
Maintain strict bedrest for the first 12 hr.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Monitor the dorsalis pedis pulse every 15 min: Frequent assessment of peripheral pulses, such as the dorsalis pedis, is essential after a cardiac catheterization to detect early signs of arterial occlusion, bleeding, or compromised circulation. Monitoring every 15 minutes during the initial post-procedure period allows timely identification of complications.
B. Place the client in Fowler's position: After a femoral cardiac catheterization, the client is typically positioned supine with the affected leg straight to minimize bleeding and hematoma formation. Fowler’s position can increase stress on the groin puncture site and is not recommended immediately post-procedure.
C. Keep the client NPO for 24 hr: NPO status is not routinely required for 24 hours following cardiac catheterization. Clients may resume oral intake as tolerated once hemodynamically stable, unless contraindicated for other medical reasons.
D. Maintain strict bedrest for the first 12 hr: While bedrest is necessary immediately post-procedure, strict immobility is usually required for 2–6 hours, depending on the type of closure device or sheath used. Maintaining 12 hours of strict bedrest is longer than standard protocol and may unnecessarily increase discomfort and risk of complications like urinary retention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Heart rate 98/min: A heart rate of 98 beats per minute is within normal limits (60–100/min) for adults. While it is at the upper end of normal, it does not typically require urgent reporting or intervention.
B. Widened P wave: A widened P wave may indicate atrial enlargement or conduction delay, which is important to note, but it is not immediately life-threatening. It should be documented and monitored, but it does not necessitate urgent notification.
C. 2 PVCs/min: Occasional premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) can occur in healthy individuals or as a response to stress, caffeine, or electrolyte imbalances. Two PVCs per minute is usually not critical unless associated with symptoms or patterns like couplets or runs of ventricular tachycardia.
D. S-T segment elevations: ST-segment elevation is a significant finding that can indicate acute myocardial injury or infarction. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate notification of the provider for rapid assessment, intervention, and potential reperfusion therapy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The client's shoulders are rounded slightly forward: Slightly rounded shoulders can indicate poor posture or musculoskeletal issues. While minor rounding is common, it is not a defining characteristic of a normal, standard gait and may reflect postural deviations.
B. The client's heels touch the ground before their toes: A standard gait involves initial contact with the heel, followed by a smooth rolling motion to the toes during the stance phase. This heel-to-toe pattern indicates normal foot mechanics and weight transfer, reflecting a healthy, functional gait for ADLs.
C. The client's dominant foot bears more weight: Unequal weight bearing between the dominant and non-dominant foot suggests an abnormal gait or musculoskeletal imbalance. In a normal gait, weight is distributed evenly between both lower extremities during walking.
D. The client looks at the floor when walking: Looking at the floor may indicate visual or balance issues, poor confidence, or gait instability. A standard gait typically involves a forward gaze with a stable, upright posture to maintain balance and coordination.
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