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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Asking the parent to leave the room during the injections is not recommended as the presence of a parent can provide comfort to the infant, which may help in reducing pain and anxiety.
Choice B reason: Administering the injections while the infant is breastfeeding is an effective method to decrease pain. Breastfeeding provides comfort and distraction, and the natural sugars in breast milk can have a mild analgesic effect.
Choice C reason: Applying a warm pack to the injection site prior to administration is not a standard practice for reducing pain from immunizations. Instead, using a cold compress after the injection can help to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Choice D reason: Administering injections in the deltoid muscle is not appropriate for a 2-month-old infant due to the underdeveloped muscle mass. The anterolateral thigh is the recommended site for immunizations in infants.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Teaching the child about cast care is important, but it is not the first action to take. Education on cast maintenance and activity restrictions will follow after addressing immediate needs.
Choice B reason: Administering pain medication should be the first action taken by the nurse. After a cast application for a fracture, the child is likely experiencing pain, and managing this pain is a priority to ensure comfort and facilitate healing.
Choice C reason: Elevating the child's leg is a subsequent action that can help reduce swelling and discomfort, but it is not the first action to take. Pain management is the priority before positioning.
Choice D reason: Petaling the edges of the cast, which involves placing soft material around the rough edges to prevent skin irritation, is important but not the first action. The initial focus should be on pain relief.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.