Question

A nurse is assessing a client who is 2 hr postoperative following a cardiac Cath. Which of the following information should the nurse report to the provider?

A. Pain level
B. Neurologic status
C. Lab results
D. Urinary output

Exhibit 1
Graphic Record
O2​ saturation 94% Insertion site pain level of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10 Urinary output 70 mL/2 hr​

Exhibit 2
Nurses' Notes
0900 Neurological Check Responds to verbal stimuli Speech slurred Hand grasps weak and unequal​

Exhibit 3
Diagnostic Results
Laboratory Results
Hemoglobin 15 g/dL
Hematocrit 45%
Cardiac Catheterization Report Stenosis of the right coronary artery​

Answer 1

The neurologic status, illustrated by slurred speech and weak, unequal hand grasps, should be reported to the provider, as it may indicate a neurological complication post-cardiac catheterization.

Step-by-step explanation:

The information that a nurse should report to the provider if a client is 2 hours postoperative following a cardiac catheterization would be the neurologic status, specifically from Exhibit 2, which shows the patient has slurred speech, weak and unequal hand grasps which might indicate a neurological complication that could be a serious concern requiring immediate attention after cardiac catheterization. Although pain level at the insertion site and urinary output are also important, these are typical areas for monitoring and do not often indicate a critical change in condition. The lab results in Exhibit 3 are within normal parameters and are not a cause for immediate concern. It is crucial for any signs indicative of neurologic deficits following a cardiac catheterization, like those described in the patient's neurologic check, to be reported promptly as they may require further assessment for complications such as a stroke or other neurological damage.