A nurse is providing postoperative care for a child following an arterial cardiac catheterization. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Remove the child's pressure dressing after the first 4 hours.
Maintain the child's NPO status for 4 to 6 hours.
Keep the affected extremity straight for at least 6 hours.
Monitor output using an indwelling urinary catheter for the first 24 hours.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Removing the child's pressure dressing after the first 4 hours is not recommended as it may increase the risk of bleeding. The pressure dressing is typically kept in place longer to ensure hemostasis.
Choice B reason: Maintaining the child's NPO status for 4 to 6 hours post-procedure is a standard practice to prevent nausea and vomiting while anesthesia wears off, but it is not the most critical action in this context.
Choice C reason: Keeping the affected extremity straight for at least 6 hours is essential to prevent bleeding from the catheterization site. This is a critical postoperative care step following arterial cardiac catheterization.
Choice D reason: Monitoring output using an indwelling urinary catheter for the first 24 hours is important for assessing kidney function and fluid balance but is not the immediate priority post-cardiac catheterization.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A creatinine level of 1.4 mg/dL is higher than the normal range for a 4-year-old child and could indicate kidney impairment, which is a concern when administering gentamicin due to its potential nephrotoxic effects. The provider should be informed immediately to assess kidney function and adjust the medication if necessary.
Choice B reason: A BUN level of 5 mg/dL is within the normal range for children and does not typically warrant immediate concern. However, it should be monitored along with creatinine levels to assess kidney function.
Choice C reason: A creatinine level of 0.3 mg/dL is within the normal range for a 4-year-old child and does not indicate an immediate concern. It should be monitored for any changes, especially when on gentamicin.
Choice D reason: A WBC count of 15,000/mm³ is slightly elevated, which may be expected in a child with meningitis as it indicates an immune response to infection. However, it is not as critical as an abnormal creatinine level in the context of gentamicin therapy.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice Areason: Decreased urine output is not directly related to ventriculoperitoneal shunt displacement. It may indicate other issues such as dehydration or kidney problems.
Choice Breason: Increased sleeping is not a specific indicator of shunt displacement. While it may be a concern if there are significant changes in the child's sleep patterns, it is not a definitive sign of this complication.Choice C reason: Hyperactive bowel sounds are not associated with shunt displacement. They may indicate gastrointestinal issues but are not relevant to the function of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.
Choice D reason: An elevated temperature can be an indicator of shunt displacement, as it may suggest an infection or other complications related to the shunt. Parents should be aware of this sign and seek medical attention if it occurs.
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