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A nurse is caring for a client following insertion of a permanent pacemaker. Which of the following 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."

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The statement 'I feel a tingling sensation in my arm on the side where the pacemaker was inserted,' suggests a potential complication following pacemaker insertion, indicating possible nerve irritation or injury. The statement 'I have some pain in my chest when I take a deep breath,' could indicate a pneumothorax or pericarditis, which are serious potential complications post-procedure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question involves understanding the potential complications following the insertion of a permanent pacemaker. Of the provided statements, option A, indicating a "tingling sensation in my arm on the side where the pacemaker was inserted," may suggest a potential complication. This sensation could be indicative of nerve irritation or injury, which sometimes occurs after pacemaker insertion. Option B regarding a small amount of bleeding that has stopped, and option D about a small, painless lump, are generally not suggestive of serious issues immediately after the procedure. However, option C, which describes "pain in my chest when I take a deep breath," could be concerning for a pneumothorax (air in the chest cavity) or pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart), which are potential complications of pacemaker insertion.

The artificial pacemaker is designed to regulate the heartbeat, and it can be set to work either on demand or continuously. Complications can include infection at the insertion site, bleeding, and nerve or blood vessel damage near the pacemaker. Post-operative patients should be monitored for any signs of complications, including chest pain, difficulty breathing, excessive bleeding or swelling at the site, dizziness, or abnormal sensations such as tingling which may warrant further medical evaluation.

User Karl Anka
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