Question

After the client's cardiac catheterization where the femoral artery is used as the access vessel, the nurse should: A. Check for allergies to iodine B. Tell the client to refrain from drinking liquids C. Explain the need to flex and extend the leg D. Check the pedal pulse in the operative leg

Short answer

Answer: D. Check the pedal pulse in the operative leg.

Step-by-step solution

Understand cardiac catheterization and femoral artery access

Cardiac catheterization is a procedure to examine the functioning of the heart and its blood vessels. A long, thin tube called a catheter is inserted in an artery or vein, usually in your leg or arm, and passed through to your heart. In this case, the femoral artery (a large artery in the thigh) is used as the access vessel.

Consider the given options

Let's take a look at the proposed nursing interventions: A. Check for allergies to iodine B. Tell the client to refrain from drinking liquids C. Explain the need to flex and extend the leg D. Check the pedal pulse in the operative leg

Rule out irrelevant options

Option A, checking for allergies to iodine, would be important before the procedure, as the contrast dye used may contain iodine. However, since the procedure is already complete in this scenario, this option can be ruled out. Option B, telling the client to refrain from drinking liquids, is irrelevant as there's no direct correlation between fluid intake and complications after cardiac catheterization via the femoral artery. Option C, explaining the need to flex and extend the leg, can be ruled out as usually, the opposite is correct. After the procedure, the client would likely be instructed to keep the leg straight and still for a period of time to prevent bleeding from the puncture site.

Select the correct option

Option D, checking the pedal pulse in the operative leg, is the most important nursing intervention among the given options. This is because cardiac catheterization via the femoral artery could potentially cause complications that impact blood flow to the leg. Assessing the pedal pulse allows the nurse to monitor for signs of reduced blood flow and promptly address any concerns. So, the correct answer is: D. Check the pedal pulse in the operative leg