Question

The client with arteriosclerosis is scheduled for a cardiac catheterization. Which of the following is the primary responsibility of the nurse prior to the procedure? A. Explain the procedure to the client B. Check the laboratory results for a prothrombin time C. Take the client's vital signs D. Obtain a permit for the examination

Short answer

Answer: The primary responsibility of the nurse prior to the cardiac catheterization procedure is to obtain a permit for the examination, ensuring the client's consent and maintaining legal and ethical standards.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the context of the question

Begin by understanding the context of the question. The client in question has arteriosclerosis, and they are scheduled for a cardiac catheterization, a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions. The nurse has specific responsibilities before the procedure, and we need to identify the primary responsibility among the given options.

Analyze the options

Now, we will analyze the options provided: A. Explain the procedure to the client - This is important, as it helps the client understand what's going to happen during the procedure, and provides a chance to address any concerns or questions. B. Check the laboratory results for a prothrombin time - Prothrombin time is a blood test that measures how long it takes blood to clot, which can be crucial information prior to a procedure like cardiac catheterization, as it may affect bleeding risk. C. Take the client's vital signs - Monitoring the client's vital signs is an essential responsibility of a nurse and can be helpful to detect any abnormal condition and assess the overall health status of the patient, but may not necessarily be the primary responsibility. D. Obtain a permit for the examination - Getting a permit (i.e. informed consent) for the procedure is a legal and ethical requirement to ensure the client agrees to the procedure and is aware of the potential risks and benefits.

Determine the primary responsibility

Among the given options, the primary responsibility of the nurse prior to cardiac catheterization is to obtain a permit for the examination (Option D), as it ensures the client's consent, and maintains legal and ethical standards. Although other options are important aspects of the nurse's responsibilities, obtaining informed consent is crucial before any medical procedure can take place.

Key concepts

Nursing Responsibilities

In the realm of patient care, nurses shoulder a wide range of responsibilities that play a crucial role in the healthcare experience of a patient. Their responsibilities begin the moment they engage with a patient and persist throughout their care. Prior to any medical procedure, such as a cardiac catheterization, nurses need to prioritize tasks to ensure patient safety and procedural efficacy.

Some critical nursing responsibilities include:

• Conducting thorough patient assessments, including reviewing medical histories and current health status.
• Ensuring all pre-operative tests, such as labs and imaging, are complete and results are available for the healthcare team.
• Educating the patient about their upcoming procedure, what to expect, and post-procedural care to encourage cooperation and alleviate anxiety.
• Monitoring vital signs to establish a baseline and identify any immediate health concerns.

Before conducting a cardiac catheterization, obtaining informed consent is not just a task, but an ethical responsibility, ensuring the patient understands and agrees to the procedure.

Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a pivotal diagnostic and therapeutic procedure within cardiology. It offers a window into the heart's health, allowing for both examination and intervention where needed. Through this procedure, a catheter is meticulously inserted into the patient's heart via blood vessels.

This procedure serves several purposes:

• Assessment of coronary artery disease and measurement of heart chamber pressures.
• Evaluation and treatment of heart valve disorders.
• Identification of congenital heart defects or enlargement of the heart's chambers.
• Treatment of certain heart conditions with intervention techniques like angioplasty or stent placement.

Cardiac catheterization requires rigorous pre-procedure assessments to mitigate risks like bleeding and allergic reactions. It's critical for nurses to ensure all safety checks are in place, including the readiness of resuscitation equipment and understanding of patient-specific vulnerabilities.

Informed Consent in Nursing

Informed consent is a cornerstone of ethical medical practice. It involves a clear, open conversation between healthcare providers and patients. The goal is to ensure patients fully understand the procedures they're about to undergo, along with associated risks, benefits, and potential alternatives.

Key elements of informed consent include:

• Ensuring the patient comprehends all information about the procedure.
• Discussing potential risks and outcomes with honesty and transparency.
• Respecting the patient's right to make a voluntary decision without coercion.
• Documenting the consent process meticulously to capture the patient's understanding and agreement.

In cardiac catheterization, obtaining informed consent is a nurse's primary responsibility. This legal requirement protects patient rights and upholds the integrity of medical practices. Proper informed consent can prevent ethical issues and ensure the patient's cooperation throughout their care journey.