Question

A nurse is caring for 72-year-old Selena Delgado, a client who has been admitted with severe claudication secondary to peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Due to the client's manifestations, Selena's healthcare provider has ordered an angiogram procedure. After Selena's healthcare provider has obtained informed consent from Selena, which assessment question will Selena's nurse ask as a priority prior to Selena's angiogram procedure?

1) Do you have an allergy to barium?
2) Do you have chronic liver problems?
3) Do you have any embedded metal shrapnel or artificial implants?
4) Do you have an allergy to contrast dye?

Answer 1

The priority question a nurse should ask Selena Delgado before an angiogram is whether she has an allergy to contrast dye, as it is crucial to ensure the patient's safety during the procedure.

Step-by-step explanation:

Prior to undergoing an angiogram procedure, a nurse must ascertain whether a patient has any allergies that could impact the safety of the procedure. In the case of 72-year-old Selena Delgado who has severe claudication secondary to peripheral vascular disease (PVD), the priority assessment question the nurse should ask before the angiogram is: "Do you have an allergy to contrast dye?" This is essential because during an angiogram, a contrast dye is injected into the vascular system to better visualize the arteries and veins.

Asking about allergies to barium, chronic liver problems, and the presence of embedded metal shrapnel or artificial implants are also important but do not hold the same immediacy as the potential for an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. Barium is not typically used in angiograms, liver problems would be of secondary consideration unless specific hepatic-processed contrast agents are used, and metal shrapnel or artificial implants are more relevant to scans such as MRIs.