One hour following cardiac catheterization via the left femoral site, a client reports feeling weak and dizzy. Assessment reveals that the client's dressing is dry and intact. Which action should the nurse take next?
Measure vital signs and telemetry pattern.
Palpate and compare pedal pulse volumes.
Measure post-procedure intake and output.
Remove the dressing and observe the site.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: After cardiac catheterization, monitoring the client's vital signs and telemetry pattern is crucial, especially when symptoms like weakness and dizziness are reported. These symptoms could indicate serious complications such as bleeding, arrhythmia, or cardiac tamponade. Monitoring vital signs can help detect hypotension, hemorrhage, or other hemodynamic instabilities. Telemetry is crucial for detecting arrhythmias that may require immediate intervention.
Choice B reason: Palpating and comparing pedal pulse volumes is an important step to assess for vascular complications such as thrombosis or embolism. However, it is not the immediate priority when a client reports systemic symptoms like weakness and dizziness, which could be signs of more serious conditions.
Choice C reason: Measuring post-procedure intake and output is part of routine postoperative care to ensure proper fluid balance. While important, it is not the most critical action to take when a client is experiencing acute symptoms that could indicate life-threatening complications.
Choice D reason: Removing the dressing and observing the site might be indicated if there is suspicion of bleeding or hematoma formation at the catheterization site. However, since the dressing is reported to be dry and intact, and the client is experiencing systemic symptoms, the priority is to assess for potential systemic complications first.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E","F","G"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Allowing for menu deviations can help accommodate the patient’s preferences and encourage eating, which is crucial for recovery from emaciation.
Choice B Reason: Setting precise mealtimes can provide structure and consistency, which may help the patient establish regular eating habits.
Choice C Reason: Encouraging exercise is not appropriate at this stage due to the patient’s bradycardia and low BMI, which indicate a high risk for physical complications.
Choice D Reason: Monitoring trips to the restroom is important to prevent purging behaviors, which can be a concern in patients with eating disorders.
Choice E Reason: Providing family education on the condition is essential to ensure that the family understands the patient’s needs and how to support her recovery.
Choice F Reason: Weighing the patient twice weekly can help monitor her progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Choice G Reason: Acknowledging feelings of anxiety is important for addressing the psychological aspects of the patient’s condition and promoting a supportive environment.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hypothermia is not typically associated with hyperparathyroidism and does not require specific precautions in this context.
Choice B reason: Aspiration may be a concern for patients with severe hypercalcemia if they have altered mental status, but it is not the primary safety precaution.
Choice C reason: Falls are a significant risk due to potential muscle weakness, skeletal fragility, and possible neuromuscular symptoms caused by hypercalcemia.
Choice D reason: Suicide is not directly related to hyperparathyroidism; however, mental health should always be monitored in patients with chronic conditions.
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