Patient Data
Based on the results of the echocardiogram, the physician has decided to repair the ventricular septal defect via cardiac catheterization. What should the nurse’s focused assessment include before the cardiac catheterization? Select all that apply.
Obtain a history of allergic reactions
Document lying, sitting, and standing blood pressures
Perform a mini mental exam on the child
Determine when the child last ate
Locate and mark the pedal pulses
Measure the child’s height and weight
Correct Answer : A,B,D,E
Choice A reason: Obtaining a history of allergic reactions is crucial because the child will be exposed to various substances during cardiac catheterization, such as contrast dye, which could potentially cause an allergic reaction.
Choice B reason: Documenting lying, sitting, and standing blood pressures is important to assess for orthostatic hypotension, which could indicate volume depletion or cardiovascular problems that need to be addressed before the procedure.
Choice C reason: Performing a mini mental exam on the child is not typically part of the pre-procedure assessment for cardiac catheterization, especially given the young age of the child.
Choice D reason: Determining when the child last ate is essential because the child needs to have an empty stomach to reduce the risk of aspiration during sedation.
Choice E reason: Locating and marking the pedal pulses is important to establish baseline data so that post-procedure, any changes in the strength or presence of these pulses can be quickly identified, indicating potential complications.
Choice F reason: Measuring the child’s height and weight is generally part of a routine assessment but is not specifically focused on the pre-cardiac catheterization assessment unless dosing of medication or anesthesia is required based on weight.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Applying a water-soluble lubricant to the catheter is not recommended during tracheostomy suctioning as it may introduce contaminants.
Choice B reason: Instilling sodium chloride before suctioning is not a standard practice and can lead to complications such as edema.
Choice C reason: Wearing protective goggles is important to protect the nurse from potential splashes of bodily fluids during the suctioning process.
Choice D reason: Instructing the client to cough as the suction tip is removed is not recommended as it can cause discomfort and potential harm to the tracheal lining.

Correct Answer is ["B","C","F","G","H"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Preparing for a cesarean delivery is not indicated solely based on the information provided. The patient is at 36 weeks with moderate pre-eclampsia and there are no immediate signs of fetal distress or a need for emergency delivery based on the nurse’s notes.
Choice B reason: Administering calcium gluconate is appropriate if there are signs of magnesium sulfate toxicity, as it acts as an antidote. The patient’s decreased level of consciousness and absent DTRs may suggest magnesium toxicity, making this a correct intervention.
Choice C reason: Obtaining blood pressure is a standard and ongoing requirement for monitoring a pre-eclampsia patient, especially after noting a significant drop in blood pressure from 170/98 mm Hg to 118/78 mm Hg, which could indicate an overcorrection or other issues.
Choice D reason: Stopping the infusion of magnesium sulfate is not indicated at this time. While the patient’s decreased LOC and absent DTRs are concerning, magnesium sulfate is critical for preventing seizures in pre-eclampsia and should not be stopped without clear signs of overdose and physician consultation.
Choice E reason: Increasing IV fluids is not indicated and could be harmful. The patient already has pulmonary edema and increasing fluids could exacerbate this condition, especially in the context of pre-eclampsia where fluid management needs to be carefully balanced.
Choice F reason: Administering oxygen is correct as the patient’s oxygen saturation has dropped from 98% to 93%, and the goal is to maintain it above 96% as per the physician’s orders.
Choice G reason: Obtaining serum magnesium level is correct because it is necessary to monitor for signs of magnesium sulfate toxicity given the patient’s symptoms of decreased LOC and absent DTRs.
Choice H reason: Preparing to prevent respiratory or cardiac arrest is correct as the patient has signs that may suggest impending magnesium sulfate toxicity, which can lead to respiratory depression or cardiac arrest.
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