Page 1069 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

variable cyanosis, poor growth, and activity
intolerance.
5. Surgical management: Corrective surgical repair is
performed in the first few months of life.

VII. Interventions: Cardiovascular Defects (Box 36-4)

VIII. Cardiac Catheterization
A. Description
1. Invasive diagnostic procedure to determine cardiac
defects.
2. Provides information about oxygen saturation of
blood in great vessels and heart chambers.
3. May be done for diagnostic, interventional, or
electrophysiological reasons.
4. May be carried out on an outpatient basis.
5. Risks include hemorrhage from the entry site, clot
formation and subsequent blockage distally, and
transient dysrhythmias.
6. General anesthesia is usually unnecessary.
7. See Chapter 52 for additional information about this
procedure.
B. Preprocedure nursing interventions

1. Assess accurate height and weight, because

this helps with the selection of the correct catheter
size.
2. Obtain a history of the presence of allergic reactions to
iodine.
3. Assess for symptoms of infection, including a diaper
rash.
4. Assess and mark bilateral pulses, such as the dorsalis
pedis and posterior tibial.
5. Assess baseline oxygen saturation.
6. Familiarize the parents and child with hospital
procedures and equipment.
7. Educate the child, if age appropriate, and the parents
about the procedure.
8. Allow the parents and child to verbalize feelings and
concerns regarding the procedure and the disorder.

C. Postprocedure nursing interventions

1. Monitor findings on the cardiac monitor and oxygen
saturation for 4 hours after procedure.
2. Assess pulses below the catheter site for presence,
equality and symmetry.
3. Assess the temperature and color of the affected
extremity and report coolness, which may indicate

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