A nurse is caring for a client who has a spinal cord injury and suspects the client is developing autonomic dysreflexia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A reason: Instructing the client to perform range-of-motion exercises to his lower extremities immediately after cardiac catheterization is not recommended. The client should maintain bed rest with the affected leg straight to prevent bleeding from the catheter insertion site.

Choice B reason: Ambulating the client 1 hour following the procedure is not advised. After femoral artery access, the client is typically required to remain on bed rest with the affected leg straight for several hours to ensure hemostasis and prevent bleeding².

Choice C reason: Restricting the client's fluid intake is not a standard post-procedure action. Adequate hydration is important after cardiac catheterization to help flush the contrast dye used during the procedure from the body, unless contraindicated.

Choice D reason: Assessing the color, temperature, and pulse in the affected extremity is crucial for detecting signs of bleeding, hematoma formation, or arterial occlusion. These assessments should be performed regularly as part of post-cardiac catheterization care².

Choice A reason: Anorexia, or loss of appetite, is not typically a direct manifestation of left-sided heart failure. While it can be associated with many medical conditions and may occur in the context of heart failure due to overall decreased well-being, it is not a specific indicator of left-sided heart failure.

Choice B reason: Weight gain can be associated with heart failure, but it is more commonly a sign of right-sided heart failure, where fluid accumulates in the body tissues, causing swelling and weight increase. In left-sided heart failure, weight gain is not as prominent because the primary issue is the backup of blood into the lungs, not fluid retention in the tissues.

Choice C reason: A distended abdomen can occur in heart failure due to fluid accumulation; however, it is more characteristic of right-sided heart failure, where the failure of the right ventricle leads to systemic congestion, including the abdominal area. In left-sided heart failure, the primary effect is on the lungs, not the abdomen.

Choice D reason: Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a hallmark symptom of left-sided heart failure. It occurs due to the backup of blood in the pulmonary circulation, which leads to pulmonary congestion and reduced oxygen exchange. Patients may experience shortness of breath, especially during exertion or when lying flat (orthopnea), and may wake up at night with shortness of breath (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea).

Left-sided heart failure, often caused by conditions like valvular heart disease, leads to a decrease in the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. This results in a buildup of pressure in the lungs, manifesting as dyspnea, which is an important symptom for nurses and other healthcare providers to recognize and manage promptly.