A nurse is caring for an adult client who is 4 hours post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via the right femoral artery. The client reports a new onset of dull, aching pain in the lower back. Current vital signs reveal a heart rate of 118 bpm, a blood pressure of 102/78 mmHg, and a respiratory rate of 22 breaths/min. The client's baseline vital signs upon arrival to the unit were a heart rate of 76 bpm and a blood pressure of 128/74 mmHg. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?
- AElevate the head of the bed to 45 degrees to reduce strain on the lower back
- BAdminister the prescribed PRN analgesic to relieve the client's back discomfort
- Assess the right femoral access site and flank area for swelling or ecchymosisCevap
- DRequest a prescription for a 12-lead electrocardiogram to evaluate the tachycardia
Cevap
The priority nursing action is to assess the right femoral access site and flank area for swelling or ecchymosis.
The client's new onset of lower back pain, combined with tachycardia and a narrowing pulse pressure, strongly indicates a retroperitoneal hemorrhage—a severe complication of femoral artery access. The priority action is to apply the nursing process by first assessing the access site and the retroperitoneal/flank area to confirm the source of bleeding before taking further action.
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Anahtar Kavram
Recognition and assessment of retroperitoneal hemorrhage following femoral artery access.