Maternity and Pediatric Nursing 4th Edition Test Bank Related

Review Maternity and Pediatric Nursing 4th Edition Test Bank related questions and content

The nurse is assessing a child after a cardiac catheterization. Which complication should the nurse be assessing for?

  • A. Cardiac arrhythmia
  • B. Hypostatic pneumonia
  • C. Heart failure
  • D. Rapidly increasing blood pressure
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: After a cardiac catheterization, the nurse should be assessing for the development of cardiac arrhythmias, as this is a potential complication associated with the procedure. Cardiac arrhythmias can occur due to irritation of the heart during the catheterization, changes in electrolyte levels, or other factors related to the procedure. Monitoring the child's cardiac rhythm closely allows for early detection and management of arrhythmias to prevent serious complications. While other complications such as hypostatic pneumonia, heart failure, and rapidly increasing blood pressure can also occur, cardiac arrhythmia is the most important complication to assess for immediately post-cardiac catheterization.