A nurse is caring for a school-age child who is 2 hr postoperative following cardiac catheterization.

The nurse observes blood on the child’s dressing.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

This client has a high risk of developing a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention. Tachypnea is a sign of respiratory distress and hypoxia, which can indicate a pulmonary embolism. The nurse should assess this client first and notify the provider.

Choice B is wrong because a client who has diabetes mellitus and an HbA1c of 6.8% is well- controlled and does not need urgent attention.

The normal range for HbA1c is 4% to 6%, and the goal for diabetic clients is less than 7%.

Choice C is wrong because a client who has epidural analgesia and weakness in the lower extremities is expected to have some degree of motor impairment due to the medication.

The nurse should monitor the client’s sensation, movement, and pain level, but this is not a priority over choice A.

Choice D is wrong because a client who has sinus arrhythmia and is receiving cardiac monitoring is not in immediate danger.

Sinus arrhythmia is a normal variation of heart rhythm that occurs with breathing.

The nurse should observe the client’s vital signs and cardiac rhythm, but this is not a priority over choice A.

The client has signs of dehydration and oliguria, which are low urine output and dark yellow urine. A fluid bolus can help restore the fluid balance and improve the renal perfusion. The normal urine output for an adult is 0.5-1.5 mL/kg/hr, and the client’s urine output is only 25 mL/hr, which is below the minimum acceptable level. Dark yellow urine can indicate a high concentration of waste products and a low intake of fluids.

Choice B is wrong because continuous bladder irrigation is used to prevent or treat blood clots in the bladder after surgery or injury, not to increase urine output.

Choice C is wrong because a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity is used to diagnose a urinary tract infection, which is not the most likely cause of the client’s low urine output.

The client does not have other symptoms of infection, such as fever, pain, or cloudy urine.

Choice D is wrong because clamping the catheter tubing for 30 min can cause urinary retention, bladder distension, and increased risk of infection.

It can also interfere with the accurate measurement of urine output.