Nokea
The nurse is caring for a school-age child who has had a cardiac catheterization. The child tells the nurse that the bandage is “too wet.†The nurse finds the bandage and bed soaked with blood. What is the priority nursing action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: If bleeding occurs, direct continuous pressure is applied 2.5 cm (1 inch) above the percutaneous skin site to localize pressure over the vessel puncture. Notifying a physician and applying a new bandage can be done after pressure is applied. The nurse can have someone else notify the physician while the pressure is being maintained. It is not a helpful intervention to place the girl in the Trendelenburg position. It would increase the drainage from the lower extremities.