Which of the following is a critical aspect to monitor in a patient immediately following a heart catheterization?
Observe for signs of infection at the catheter insertion site
Monitor the patient's cardiac rhythm and vital signs closely
Check the patient's blood glucose levels frequently.
Assess the patient's dietary intake and fluid balance.
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. While infection monitoring is important, the risk immediately post-procedure is low; infection typically develops later, not immediately.
B. Immediately following a heart catheterization, there is a risk of arrhythmias, bleeding, or hemodynamic instability, making continuous monitoring of cardiac rhythm and vital signs critical to detect complications early.
C. Routine glucose monitoring is not specifically indicated unless the patient has diabetes; it is not a priority related to the catheterization procedure.
D. While ongoing hydration and diet are part of overall care, they are not immediate priorities in the immediate post-catheterization period.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. While dehydration or hypovolemia can lead to tachycardia as the body attempts to maintain cardiac output, it does not typically cause bradycardia. Bradycardia usually results from conduction abnormalities, medications, or increased vagal tone rather than low fluid volume.
B. Anxiety triggers sympathetic nervous system activation, which increases heart rate and blood pressure. Therefore, it is more likely to produce tachycardia rather than a slow heart rate.
C. Bradycardia reduces cardiac output, which lowers cerebral perfusion. This decrease in blood flow to the brain commonly manifests as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or syncope. These symptoms are critical for assessing the clinical significance of bradycardia, especially in older adults or those with cardiovascular disease.
D. Fever increases metabolic demand, leading to compensatory tachycardia, not bradycardia. A slow heart rate in a febrile client would be atypical and may suggest other underlying conditions, such as conduction disorders or drug effects.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. This patient shows signs of mild pulmonary congestion, but oxygen saturation is within an acceptable range and the patient is currently stable.
B. While this patient is on a vasodilator and has borderline low blood pressure, they are hemodynamically stable at this moment and not showing signs of acute deterioration.
C. This patient exhibits signs of poor perfusion and possible cardiogenic shock, which is life-threatening. These symptoms indicate an urgent priority for assessment and intervention.
D. This is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors and is non-emergent; the patient is stable and does not require immediate assessment
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