ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation Related

Review ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation related questions and content

A nurse assesses a client who has a radial artery catheter. Which assessment should the nurse complete first?

  • A. . Amount of pressure in fluid container
  • B. Date of catheter tubing change
  • C. Percent of heparin in infusion container
  • D. . Presence of an ulnar pulse
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Presence of an ulnar pulse. This is the most important assessment to complete first because the presence of an ulnar pulse indicates adequate circulation in the hand, ensuring that the radial artery catheter is not compromising blood flow. If the ulnar pulse is absent, it may signify impaired circulation and potential complications such as ischemia.

Choice A is incorrect because the amount of pressure in the fluid container is not directly related to the assessment of the radial artery catheter.

Choice B is incorrect because the date of catheter tubing change is important for infection control but not the immediate priority in this situation.

Choice C is incorrect as the percent of heparin in the infusion container is important for anticoagulation therapy but does not take precedence over assessing circulation in the hand.