A nurse is caring for a patient receiving IV therapy in the left forearm and notices that the site is red, swollen, and warm.
What action should the nurse take first?

Choice A rationale:

Tenderness to touch is a common finding in wounds healing by secondary intention. It's often due to inflammation, which is a normal part of the healing process. The inflammation brings in cells and substances that promote healing. However, increased tenderness, especially when accompanied by other signs of infection, should be reported.

Choice B rationale:

A halo of erythema on the surrounding skin is a sign of infection. This is a serious complication that can delay healing and lead to further complications. The erythema indicates that the infection is spreading beyond the wound edges and needs prompt attention.

Choice C rationale:

Drainage of serosanguineous fluid is also common in wounds healing by secondary intention. This fluid is a mixture of serum (clear yellowish fluid) and blood. It's a sign that the wound is cleaning itself and new tissue is forming. While excessive drainage or a change in color or odor could signal a problem, drainage itself is not necessarily a cause for concern.

Choice D rationale:

Pink, shiny tissue with a granular appearance is a sign of healthy granulation tissue. This is a type of tissue that forms during the healing process. It's rich in blood vessels and collagen, which are essential for wound healing. The presence of granulation tissue indicates that the wound is healing well.

Choice A rationale:

It is not necessary to remind a patient to avoid turning from side to side after femoral artery catheterization. Restricting movement in this way could actually increase the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Early ambulation is generally encouraged to promote circulation and prevent blood clots.

Patients are typically allowed to turn and reposition themselves as needed for comfort, unless there are specific contraindications.

Choice B rationale:

Keeping the patient in a high-Fowler's position for 6 hours is not a standard recommendation following femoral artery catheterization.

The patient's position should be based on their individual needs and comfort level.

In some cases, a slight elevation of the head of the bed may be helpful to promote venous return, but prolonged high-Fowler's positioning is not necessary.

Choice C rationale:

Passive range-of-motion exercises are not typically performed on the affected extremity immediately following femoral artery catheterization.

This is because there is a risk of dislodging the catheter or causing bleeding at the puncture site.

Once the catheter has been removed and the puncture site has healed, gentle range-of-motion exercises may be recommended to help maintain joint mobility.

Choice D rationale:

Checking pedal pulses every 15 minutes is essential to assess for adequate circulation to the lower extremities following femoral artery catheterization.

This is because there is a risk of complications such as thrombosis or embolism, which can compromise blood flow to the legs and feet.

If the pedal pulses are weak or absent, it could indicate a serious problem that requires immediate intervention.