The nurse is caring for a 3-year-old client who is two hours postoperative from a cardiac catheterization via the right femoral artery. Which assessment finding is an indication of arterial obstruction?

The pressure dressing at right femoral area is moist and oozing blood.

Pulse distal to the femoral artery is weaker on left foot than right foot.

Right foot is cool to the touch and appears pale and blanched.

Blood pressure trend is downward and pulse is rapid and irregular.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. While bleeding can occur postoperatively from the catheter insertion site, it is more indicative of venous or capillary bleeding rather than arterial obstruction. Arterial obstruction typically presents with signs related to decreased arterial blood flow rather than external bleeding.

B. This finding suggests a difference in peripheral pulses between the two lower extremities. While it could indicate arterial compromise, the question specifically asks about arterial obstruction at the site of the catheterization (right femoral artery).

C. This finding is concerning for arterial obstruction. Coolness, pallor, and blanching of the right foot indicate decreased arterial blood flow to the extremity. Arterial obstruction can lead to reduced perfusion distal to the occlusion site, resulting in these clinical signs.

D. These vital sign changes could indicate systemic complications, such as shock, rather than isolated arterial obstruction at the femoral artery site. While systemic changes can occur secondary to arterial obstruction, they are not specific indicators of obstruction at the femoral artery.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. This information is crucial as it provides insight into the client's abdominal assessment post- laparotomy. A soft abdomen with absent bowel sounds suggests normal bowel function has not yet returned, which is common after abdominal surgery. However, this does not have immediate postoperative implications.

B. A history of vomiting prior to surgery could indicate a gastrointestinal issue that may impact the client’s recovery or increase the risk of complications such as nausea and vomiting postoperatively.However, this history may not immediately affect the current postoperative care as much as some other findings (such as changes in bowel sounds or bleeding) in the acute postoperative period.

C. This information provides reassurance regarding circulation and mobility of the lower extremities. However, it may not be as urgent to report immediately unless there were concerns during surgery or potential complications related to positioning or circulation.

D.This should be reported to ensure that the client is receiving proper hydration and that their hydration status is carefully monitored. It’s especially important to monitor for dehydration or difficulties with oral intake following surgery.

A. Assess distal lower extremity capillary refill. B. Check femoral site for hematoma formation. C. Evaluate the integrity of the IV insertion site. D. D Stimulate the client to take deep breaths.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Rationale

A. This action involves assessing the capillary refill of the lower extremity distal to the femoral site. It helps in evaluating peripheral perfusion and circulation to ensure there is no compromise to blood flow. This is important because decreased capillary refill could indicate impaired circulation, possibly due to arterial occlusion or hematoma formation.

B. Checking the femoral insertion site for hematoma formation is crucial after a cardiac catheterization. Hematomas can develop due to bleeding from the femoral artery puncture site, especially if the client is receiving anticoagulant therapy like heparin. A hematoma can compress surrounding structures, potentially causing pain and compromising circulation.

C. While it's important to assess the integrity of IV insertion sites, in this scenario, the primary concern is the groin insertion site used for cardiac catheterization. The IV insertion sites should be assessed regularly for signs of infiltration, phlebitis, or infection, but this should not take precedence over assessing the femoral insertion site for complications related to the procedure.

D. Deep breathing exercises are important for preventing respiratory complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia, especially in clients who are sedated and immobilized. However, in the context of acute pain at the femoral insertion site post-cardiac catheterization, assessing and addressing potential complications related to the procedure take priority.

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The nurse is caring for a 3-year-old client who is two hours postoperative from a cardiac catheterization via the right femoral artery. Which assessment finding is an indication of arterial obstruction?

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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