Question

A nurse is assessing a client who is 2 hr postop following a cardiac catheterization. Which of the following information should the nurse report to the provider? Data O2 saturation 94% Insertion site pain level of 6 on a scale of 0-10 Urinary output 70 mL/2 hr 0900 Neuro Check: responds to verbal stimuli, speech slurred, hand grasps weak and unequal Lab Results: hemoglobin 15 g/dL, hematocrit 45% Cardiac Cath Report: stenosis of the right coronary artery -Pain level -Neurological status -Laboratory results -Urinary output

Answer 1

Significant pain at the insertion site and altered neurological status in a patient post-cardiac catheterization are alarming findings and should immediately be reported to the physician. The other parameters like O2 saturation, urine output, and lab results are within normal range but should continue to be monitored.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should report the patient's Neurological status and Pain level in this case. Post-operative care following a cardiac catheterization procedure involves monitoring for complications such as changes in neurological status (e.g., alterations in speech, motor control, etc.), which indicate potential cerebrovascular accidents. Here, the patient's slurred speech and weak, unequal hand grasps should be highlighted to the physician. Furthermore, significant pain at the insertion site needs to be reported. Though some discomfort is expected, a pain level of 6 out of 10 may indicate complications such as infection or hematoma at the insertion site.

The other parameters (O2 saturation, urinary output, lab results) currently remain within acceptable ranges, so they do not need immediate reporting. However, they should continue to be monitored regularly as part of assessing the patient's overall health status.

Learn more about Post-Operative Complications