Physiological Integrity Q 3
The client is having an arteriogram. During the procedure, the client tells the nurse, “I’m feeling really hot.” Which response would be best?
A. "You are having an allergic reaction. I will get an order for Benadryl."
B. "That feeling of warmth is normal when the dye is injected."
C. "That feeling of warmth indicates that the clots in the coronary vessels are dissolving."
D. "I will tell your doctor and let him explain to you the reason for the hot feeling that you are experiencing."
Correct Answer: Answer: B. “That feeling of warmth is normal when the dye is injected.”
It is normal for the client to have a warm sensation when dye is injected. The client may have some discomfort from a needle stick. He/she may feel symptoms such as flushing in the face or other parts of the body when the dye is injected. The exact symptoms will depend on the part of the body being examined.
Option A: An area of the groin or the artery in the wrist or hand will be cleaned for the procedure. The client will be given a mild sedative and pain medication to keep them comfortable throughout the procedure. The Radiologist will numb the insertion site and a very small tube called a catheter will be inserted into the vessel. A rapid sequence of X-rays is taken when the dye is injected into the vessel. Each time the contrast is injected, the client may experience a sensation of warmth.
Option C: Warmth does not indicate that clots are dissolving. If the angiogram reveals a narrowed vessel, a balloon angioplasty or stent placement may be performed at the same time. When the procedure is completed, the catheter will be removed, and pressure will be held on the entry site for 10-20 minutes to stop any bleeding. The client may have a compression device applied to stop the bleeding from the angiogram site. This device may stay in place for 1-1 ½ hours.
Option D: This statement indicates that the nurse believes that the hot feeling is abnormal, so it is incorrect. Once the angiogram is completed the client may be on bedrest for 4-6 hours or until he has recovered from sedation. The client will be allowed to eat and will be encouraged to drink fluids to flush the contrast dye from the system. During this time, the catheter insertion site will be watched closely, and blood pressure and pulse will be monitored.