HESI Pediatrics Practice Exam Related

Review HESI Pediatrics Practice Exam related questions and content

The child is 3 years old and is 2 hours postop from a cardiac catheterization via the right femoral artery. Which assessment finding indicates arterial obstruction?

  • A. Blood pressure is decreasing, and the pulse is rapid and irregular.
  • B. The right foot feels cool to the touch and appears pale and blanched.
  • C. The pulse distal to the femoral artery is weaker in the left foot than the right foot.
  • D. The pressure dressing at the right femoral area is damp and oozing blood.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A cool, pale, and blanched foot is indicative of arterial obstruction, leading to poor blood flow. This finding requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications such as tissue damage or necrosis. Monitoring for signs of arterial compromise, such as color changes, temperature, and capillary refill, is crucial in detecting and managing vascular complications post-cardiac catheterization. Choices A, C, and D do not directly indicate arterial obstruction. While a decreasing blood pressure and rapid, irregular pulse may suggest compromise, these findings are more nonspecific. A weaker pulse distal to the femoral artery indicates reduced perfusion but not necessarily arterial obstruction. Finally, a damp, oozing pressure dressing suggests a dressing issue rather than arterial obstruction.