A nurse is caring for a 2-year old who has a heart defect and is scheduled for a cardiac catheterization. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Check for iodine or shellfish allergies prior to the procedure: Cardiac catheterization often involves the use of a contrast dye that contains iodine. If the child has an allergy to iodine or shellfish, there is an increased risk of an allergic reaction to the dye. B. Place an NPO status for 12 hours prior to the procedure: NPO status typically is required for a few hours before a procedure involving anesthesia or sedation, but not necessarily for 12 hours. The specific time frame should be determined by the healthcare provider. C. Elevate the affected extremity following the procedure: After cardiac catheterization, the affected extremity should typically be kept straight and immobilized to prevent bleeding or hematoma formation. Elevating the extremity may not be advisable. D. Limit fluid intake following the procedure: After cardiac catheterization, the child should be encouraged to drink fluids to help flush the contrast dye from their system, unless contraindicated by other factors.