The nurse is caring for a child after heart surgery.What intervention should the nurse implement immediately if evidence is found of cardiac tamponade?
A) Increase analgesia
B) Apply warming blankets
C) Immediately report this to the physician
D) Encourage the child to cough, turn, and breathe deeply

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If evidence is noted of cardiac tamponade (blood or fluid in the pericardial space constricting the heart),the physician is notified immediately of this life-threatening complication.Increasing analgesia may be done before the physician drains the fluid,but the physician must be notified.Warming blankets are not indicated at this time.Encouraging the child to cough,turn,and breathe deeply should be deferred until after the evaluation by the physician.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Child After Heart Surgery