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?

Rationale

A. A living will often includes directives regarding life-sustaining treatments, including intubation. If the living will explicitly states a preference against intubation, the nurse should ensure this information is known to the healthcare team. However, a living will does not automatically imply a DNR status unless specifically stated.

B. When a living will is presented, and decisions need to be made regarding life-sustaining treatments like intubation, it is appropriate to facilitate a family meeting. In this meeting, the healthcare team, including palliative care specialists if available, can discuss the client's wishes as outlined in the living will. The goal is to ensure everyone understands the client's preferences and to make informed decisions about the course of treatment.

C. The nurse should notify the attending healthcare provider about the existence of the client's living will and its directives regarding medical interventions such as intubation. The healthcare provider needs to be aware of the client's wishes to guide the decision-making process and ensure appropriate care is provided according to the client's preferences.

D. It is crucial to ensure that the living will, once verified and certified as authentic, is placed in the client's medical record. This document serves as a legal and ethical guide for healthcare decisions, especially during critical situations like an exacerbation requiring intubation.

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.