Question

A nurse is caring for a client following insertion of a permanent pacemaker. Which of the following client statements indicates a potential complication of the insertion procedure?

A. "I feel a tingling sensation in my arm on the side where the pacemaker was inserted."
B. "There is a small amount of bleeding at the insertion site, but it has stopped now."
C. "I have some pain in my chest when I take a deep breath."
D. "I noticed a small, painless lump at the site where the pacemaker was inserted."

Answer 1

Chest pain upon taking a deep breath following pacemaker insertion, as described in client statement C, could indicate the presence of a potential complication like pneumothorax or myocardial perforation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is regarding the identification of a potential complication following the insertion of a permanent pacemaker. From the given options, client statement C, "I have some pain in my chest when I take a deep breath," could indicate a potential complication such as pneumothorax, pericardial effusion, or myocardial perforation. These complications could be related to the insertion procedure and might necessitate further evaluation or intervention by healthcare professionals.


Options A, "I feel a tingling sensation in my arm on the side where the pacemaker was inserted," and D, "I noticed a small, painless lump at the site where the pacemaker was inserted," could be related to normal post-operative sensations or the healing process. Option B, talking about a small amount of bleeding that has stopped, is not typically indicative of a serious complication, as minor bleeding can be expected following the procedure.