Editing Reduction of Risk Potential – RN Flashcards (section)

== Procedures and Complications ==

;Assessment finding after femoral cardiac catheterization that suggests retroperitoneal hemorrhage
:New back or flank pain with hypotension and tachycardia, even when the groin dressing is dry, because blood tracks into the retroperitoneum.

;Priority nursing actions if a client eviscerates
:Stay with the client, position supine with knees slightly flexed, cover the viscera with sterile gauze moistened with sterile normal saline, do not attempt reinsertion, keep the client nothing by mouth, monitor for shock, and notify the surgeon.

;Meaning of continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest drainage system
:An air leak, either from the client or from a loose connection or dislodged dressing. Assess the system and site systematically; routine clamping and stripping are contraindicated.

;Nursing response to a suspected air embolism during central line care
:Clamp the line, place the client on the left side in Trendelenburg position, administer oxygen, and notify the provider.

;Immediate steps when a transfusion reaction is suspected
:Stop the transfusion, maintain the vein with normal saline through new tubing, assess vital signs, notify the provider and blood bank, and return the product and tubing per policy.

;Distinguishing an acute hemolytic reaction from a febrile nonhemolytic reaction
:Hemolytic reaction brings fever and chills plus low back or flank pain, hypotension, hemoglobinuria, and a sense of impending doom, and it is life threatening. Febrile nonhemolytic reaction is the most common reaction and presents with fever and chills without hemolysis.

;Complication to anticipate after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
:Post-procedure pancreatitis, signaled by severe epigastric pain radiating to the back with elevated amylase and lipase.

;Complications to monitor after thyroidectomy and the equipment kept at the bedside
:Airway obstruction from edema or hematoma, hemorrhage pooling behind the neck, hypocalcemia and tetany, laryngeal nerve injury, and thyroid storm. Keep suction, oxygen, an emergency airway setup, and calcium gluconate available.

;Rationale for withholding metformin around iodinated contrast administration
:Contrast-associated kidney injury reduces metformin clearance and raises the risk of lactic acidosis. In at-risk clients, metformin is held at the time of contrast and for about 48 hours afterward, with renal function reassessed before restarting.

;Why screening for shellfish allergy before contrast is not evidence based
:Contrast reactions are not caused by iodine content in seafood. The meaningful risk factors are a prior reaction to contrast media, asthma, and other significant allergy history.