Cardiac-Vascular Nursing (CVRN) Practice Exam

After a cardiac catheterization with a compression device, a patient reports numbness and pain in the right hand. What action should the cardiac-vascular nurse take first?

1. Perform an Allen's test

2. Reduce the pressure on the puncture site

3. Use the Doppler to assess the pulse signals

4. Call the physician

The correct answer is: Reduce the pressure on the puncture site

In this scenario, the patient is experiencing numbness and pain in the right hand following a cardiac catheterization with the use of a compression device. The presence of these symptoms may indicate compromised blood flow to the hand, potentially due to excessive pressure being applied at the puncture site. Reducing the pressure on the puncture site is the most appropriate first action, as it directly addresses a potential cause of the circulatory issue. By alleviating the compression, blood flow may be restored to the affected area, potentially resolving the patient's symptoms of numbness and pain. It is critical to act swiftly in such situations to prevent further complications such as ischemia. While performing an Allen's test, assessing pulse signals with a Doppler, or calling the physician are all important actions in the overall management of this situation, they are secondary steps that can follow the initial reduction of pressure at the puncture site. Taking steps to immediately relieve pressure ensures that the first-response intervention is aligned with addressing the patient's acute symptoms, which is crucial in maintaining perfusion and preventing further complications.