What should a nurse inform a client scheduled for cardiac catheterization regarding the procedure?

What should a nurse inform a client scheduled for cardiac catheterization regarding the procedure?

• A. It will last approximately 2 hours
• B. The client will be under general anesthesia
• C. The client may experience warmth or flushing
• D. It requires a 48-hour recovery period

Answer: (C)

A nurse should inform a client scheduled for cardiac catheterization that they may experience warmth or flushing during the procedure. This sensation is typically caused by the contrast dye that is injected into the coronary arteries to help visualize blockages or other issues during imaging. This flushing reaction is generally brief and is a common and expected part of the process, as the dye is introduced into the bloodstream. Clients should be made aware of this sensation to help alleviate any anxiety they might have about unexpected feelings during the procedure. The other options do not accurately reflect the typical experience of a client undergoing cardiac catheterization. The duration of the procedure can vary, and while it might take around 1 to 2 hours, it is not a fixed duration applicable to all cases. Most patients are sedated but not necessarily under general anesthesia, as local anesthesia is often used instead. Additionally, the recovery time following cardiac catheterization is generally shorter than 48 hours; most patients can go home within a few hours with appropriate monitoring, depending on their individual circumstances.

A nurse should inform a client scheduled for cardiac catheterization that they may experience warmth or flushing during the procedure. This sensation is typically caused by the contrast dye that is injected into the coronary arteries to help visualize blockages or other issues during imaging. This flushing reaction is generally brief and is a common and expected part of the process, as the dye is introduced into the bloodstream. Clients should be made aware of this sensation to help alleviate any anxiety they might have about unexpected feelings during the procedure.

The other options do not accurately reflect the typical experience of a client undergoing cardiac catheterization. The duration of the procedure can vary, and while it might take around 1 to 2 hours, it is not a fixed duration applicable to all cases. Most patients are sedated but not necessarily under general anesthesia, as local anesthesia is often used instead. Additionally, the recovery time following cardiac catheterization is generally shorter than 48 hours; most patients can go home within a few hours with appropriate monitoring, depending on their individual circumstances.