QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
A nurse is taking the history of a 4-year-old child who will undergo a cardiac catheterization.
Which statement by the parent may necessitate rescheduling of the procedure?
"My child is allergic to iodine and shellfish."
"My child is very scared and nervous about the procedure."
"My child is not taking any medication."
"My child seems listless and slightly warm." - CORRECT ANSWER "My child seems
listless and slightly warm."
Fever and other signs and symptoms of infection may necessitate rescheduling the procedure.
Although information about allergies is important, not all contrast media contain iodine as a
base. The nurse should address the child's fears in a developmentally appropriate way, but
fear of the procedure does not warrant rescheduling. Not using any medication would not be a
reason for rescheduling the procedure.
The nurse in a pediatric cardiovascular clinic is talking with the parent of a 5-year-old child
who underwent cardiac surgery for a heart defect at the age of 3. The parent reports that the
child has been having increased shortness of breath, tires easily after playing, and has been
gaining weight. The nurse is aware that the child is most likely demonstrating symptoms of
which acquired cardiovascular disorder?
Cardiomyopathy
Kawasaki Disease
Infective endocarditis
,Heart failure - CORRECT ANSWER Heart failure
The nurse is taking a health history of a toddler with a suspected congenital heart defect.
Which response by the parent could indicate that the child is experiencing hypercyanotic
spells?
"My child does not seem to have difficulty breathing."
"My child walks very quickly and never stops moving."
"My child takes one nap a day and is fairly active."
"My child likes to stop and squat wherever my child walks." - CORRECT
ANSWER "My child likes to stop and squat wherever my child walks."
The nurse is caring for a 10-year-old child following a cardiac catheterization. Four hours
after the procedure, the nurse notes some minor bleeding at the site. Which action would be
most appropriate?
Change the dressing.
Ensure that the child's leg is kept straight.
Apply pressure 1 in (2.5 cm) above the site.
Contact the healthcare provider. - CORRECT ANSWER Apply pressure 1 in (2.5 cm)
above the site.
If bleeding occurs after a cardiac catheterization, apply pressure 1 in (2.5 cm) above the site
to create pressure over the vessel, thereby reducing the blood flow to the area. The nurse
, should first apply pressure and then notify the healthcare provider if this measure is
ineffective or the bleeding increases. The child should maintain the leg in a straight position
for about 4 to 8 hours. However, this would not address the bleeding assessed at the site.
Changing the dressing would not be effective.
The nurse is reviewing the health history and physical examination of a child diagnosed with
heart failure. What would the nurse expect to find? (Select all that apply.)
Shortness of breath when playing
Hypertension
Crackles on lung auscultation
Bradycardia
Tiring easily when eating - CORRECT ANSWER Shortness of breath when playing
Crackles on lung auscultation
Tiring easily when eating
The nurse is providing child and family education prior to discharge following a cardiac
catheterization. The nurse is teaching about signs and symptoms of complications. Which
statement by the parent indicates a need for further teaching?
"Strenuous activity should be limited for the next 3 days."
"We need to watch for changes in skin color or difficulty breathing."
"The feeling of the heart skipping a beat is common."