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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E","G"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Learned coping skills are essential for managing the psychological aspects of obesity and the lifestyle changes required after bariatric surgery. The patient’s engagement with a psychologist and learning coping techniques can help her deal with postoperative stress and maintain the lifestyle modifications necessary for long-term success.
Choice B reason: A psychological assessment helps in understanding the patient’s readiness for surgery and ability to adhere to the postoperative regimen. It can identify any psychological barriers to weight loss and ensure that the patient is mentally prepared for the changes ahead.
Choice C reason: The term “unstained weight loss” seems to be a typographical error, possibly intending to mean “sustained weight loss.” However, sustained weight loss is not applicable in this context as the patient has not yet undergone surgery. Therefore, it does not contribute to the chances of positive outcomes post-surgery.
Choice D reason: Recovery close to the hospital can be beneficial as it allows for easier follow-up visits and quicker access to medical care if complications arise. It also reduces the stress associated with travel for postoperative care.
Choice E reason: Recent weight loss prior to surgery is a positive indicator as it shows the patient’s commitment to lifestyle changes and weight management. It can also reduce surgical risk and improve postoperative recovery1.
Choice F reason: While age can be a factor in surgical risk, there is no direct correlation between the client’s age and the chance for positive outcomes after bariatric surgery. Therefore, it is not a contributing factor in this scenario.
Choice G reason: Family support is crucial for a patient’s recovery and long-term success after bariatric surgery. The patient’s plan to go home with her mother, who lives close to the hospital, indicates a strong support system which can help with adherence to dietary and lifestyle changes.
Choice H reason: A high BMI, such as 41.4 kg/m^2, indicates severe obesity, which is the reason for undergoing bariatric surgery. While it is a factor for considering surgery, it does not inherently increase the chance for positive outcomes post-surgery.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
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