An older adult client with a history of heart failure is admitted to the medical unit after falling at home and has become increasingly confused. The client's spouse is designated as the client's power of attorney. When reporting to the healthcare provider using SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) communication, which information should the nurse provide first?

Choice A reason: Asking if there is a particular reason why the parent thinks it's their fault may inadvertently validate feelings of self-blame, which is not helpful in this sensitive situation.

Choice B reason: While reassuring the parent they did nothing wrong is true, it may not address the emotional support the parent needs at this moment.

Choice C reason: Promising a full recovery with surgery may be misleading and give false hope, as outcomes can vary and myelomeningocele often results in some degree of impairment.

Choice D reason: Acknowledging the parent's feelings and the difficulty of the situation provides emotional support and validation without assigning blame or making promises about the outcome.

Choice A reason: Monitoring for fever is essential after cardiac procedures like the one described. Fever can be a sign of infection, which is a risk following any invasive procedure. Normal body temperature ranges from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C) for a typical child, but it can be slightly lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon and evening.
Choice B reason: There is no need to restrict the child to clear liquids for several days unless specifically instructed by the physician for a particular reason. After cardiac catheterization, patients are usually encouraged to resume their normal diet as tolerated to promote recovery unless there are other concerns that warrant dietary restrictions1.
Choice C reason: Avoiding baths or showers is generally recommended immediately after cardiac catheterization to prevent infection at the catheter insertion site. However, this restriction is usually only for a few days, not indefinitely. The site needs to be kept dry and clean until it has sufficiently healed.
Choice D reason: Keeping a pressure dressing on the site for one week is not typically necessary. The dressing is usually checked and changed by healthcare professionals, and the site is monitored for healing. The dressing may be removed after a certain period, often before one week, as long as there are no signs of bleeding or infection.
Choice E reason: Alerting the physician if the site bleeds or swells is crucial. Swelling or bleeding can indicate complications such as infection or hematoma formation. Parents should be instructed to look for any signs of abnormal discharge, redness, or increased pain, which could signify an infection.
Choice F reason: The child may take ibuprofen for pain, but it should be under the guidance of a physician. Ibuprofen is an NSAID that can help with pain and inflammation. However, it’s important to use the correct dosage and to ensure it doesn’t interfere with any other medications the child may be taking.