A 3-year-old child is 4 hours post-cardiac catheterization via the right femoral artery.Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the provider?
A) Crying, complaining of pain at site
B) Restless, tries to get up repeatedly
C) Right pedal pulse weaker than left
D) Wants to be held by a parent

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pedal pulses should be equal (or unchanged)after a cardiac catheterization.If a pedal pulse on the insertion side is weaker,arterial flow to the extremity may have been disrupted,and this should be reported.Pain is expected and is treated with acetaminophen.A 3-year-old would be expected to want to get up and not lie still and might want to be held.Sedation might be required to maintain bedrest with the affected leg kept straight.

A 3-Year-Old Child Is 4 Hours Post-Cardiac Catheterization Via the Right