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Question

Difficulty: EasyReduction of Risk Potential

The nurse receives a client who has just returned to the nursing unit following a diagnostic cardiac catheterization performed via the right femoral artery. Which of the following positioning interventions is most important for the nurse to implement to reduce the risk of postoperative bleeding?

  1. Maintain the right leg in an extended, straight position.Answer
  2. B
    Elevate the head of the bed to a 60-degree angle.
  3. C
    Encourage the client to actively bend the right knee to prevent joint stiffness.
  4. D
    Assist the client to a side-lying position with both hips flexed.

Answer

Maintain the right leg in an extended, straight position.
Maintaining the affected extremity in an extended, straight position is essential following a femoral artery puncture. This position keeps the femoral artery undisturbed, allowing a stable clot to form and significantly reducing the risk of hematoma development or active arterial hemorrhage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the procedure and the specific vascular access site used.
The client underwent a cardiac catheterization via the right femoral artery.
The anatomical location of the puncture site dictates the specific postoperative positioning restrictions.
2
Determine the primary physiological risk associated with this procedure.
The primary immediate risk is arterial hemorrhage or hematoma formation at the femoral puncture site.
The femoral artery is a large, high-pressure blood vessel that requires prolonged, undisturbed compression and healing time to maintain hemostasis.
3
Select the positioning intervention that minimizes mechanical stress on the site.
Keeping the right leg extended and unbent prevents hip flexion.
Hip flexion disrupts the puncture site, increases local pressure, and can dislodge the protective clot, leading to severe bleeding.

Key Concept

Post-procedure Positioning to Reduce Bleeding Risk
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Topics

Reduction of Risk Potential

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