When caring for a patient after cardiac catheterization, with which sign should the nurse be most concerned?

When caring for a patient after cardiac catheterization, with which sign should the nurse be most concerned?

• A. Decreased pedal pulses
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Clear urine
• D. Normal leg warmth

Answer: (A)

After arterial access for a cardiac catheterization, monitoring distal perfusion to the leg is essential. A decrease in pedal pulses means blood flow beyond the catheter site is reduced, which can indicate arterial occlusion, thrombosis, or a compressive hematoma. This can rapidly lead to limb ischemia if not addressed, making it the most concerning sign. Other options don’t point to an acute vascular complication: appetite changes aren’t related to the procedure, clear urine reflects kidney function, and normal leg warmth suggests perfusion is still adequate, which is less alarming than diminished pulses. The nurse should promptly assess the limb’s color, temperature, capillary refill, sensation, and movement; inspect the access site for bleeding or hematoma; keep the patient on bed rest per protocol; and inform the physician for urgent evaluation and possible intervention, such as Doppler studies or revascularization if needed.

After arterial access for a cardiac catheterization, monitoring distal perfusion to the leg is essential. A decrease in pedal pulses means blood flow beyond the catheter site is reduced, which can indicate arterial occlusion, thrombosis, or a compressive hematoma. This can rapidly lead to limb ischemia if not addressed, making it the most concerning sign. Other options don’t point to an acute vascular complication: appetite changes aren’t related to the procedure, clear urine reflects kidney function, and normal leg warmth suggests perfusion is still adequate, which is less alarming than diminished pulses. The nurse should promptly assess the limb’s color, temperature, capillary refill, sensation, and movement; inspect the access site for bleeding or hematoma; keep the patient on bed rest per protocol; and inform the physician for urgent evaluation and possible intervention, such as Doppler studies or revascularization if needed.