Discussion Psot
The nurse working in the cardiac procedures area receives a patient who has undergone a cardiac catheterization via the right femoral artery for evaluation of unstable angina. Prior to the procedure, the patient was NPO for 12 hours, and received a sedative. An IV catheter was placed for administration of the contrast agents and for access in case of an emergency situation.
• What is the rationale for assessing distal pulses immediately after the catheterization?
• What other assessments should the nurse perform to check for arterial insufficiency?
• The patient asks why he needs to stay in bed with the leg extended for 2 to 6 hours. How should the nurse respond?
• After the procedure, why is it important to assess the patient's BUN, creatinine, and fluid volume status?
The response should include a reference list. Using double-space, Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.