1. A chest radiograph film is ordered for a child with suspected cardiac problems. The child’s

parent asks the nurse, “What will the radiograph show about the heart?” What knowledge

about the x-ray should the nurse include in the response to the parents?

a. Bones of chest but not the heart

b. Measurement of electrical potential generated from heart muscle

c. Permanent record of heart size and configuration

d. Computerized image of heart vessels and tissues

ANS: C

A chest radiograph will provide information on the heart size and pulmonary blood-flow

patterns. It will provide a baseline for future comparisons. The heart will be visible, as well as

the sternum and ribs. Electrocardiography (ECG) measures the electrical potential generated

from heart muscle. Echocardiography will produce a computerized image of the heart vessels

and tissues by using sound waves.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: p. 738

TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning

MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential

2. The nurse is assessing a child after a cardiac catheterization. Which complication should the

nurse be assessing for?

a. Cardiac arrhythmia

b. Hypostatic pneumonia

c. Heart failure

d. Rapidly increasing blood pressure

ANS: A

Because a catheter is introduced into the heart, a risk exists of catheter-induced dysrhythmias

occurring during the procedure. These are usually transient. Hypostatic pneumonia, heart

failure, and rapidly increasing blood pressure are not risks usually associated with cardiac

catheterization.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply REF: p. 739

TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment

MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential

3. José is a 4-year-old child scheduled for a cardiac catheterization. What should be included in

preoperative teaching?

a. Directed at his parents because he is too young to understand

b. Detailed in regard to the actual procedures so he will know what to expect

c. Done several days before the procedure so that he will be prepared

d. Adapted to his level of development so that he can understand

ANS: D