Which postoperative instruction is appropriate for a child following cardiac catheterization?

Which postoperative instruction is appropriate for a child following cardiac catheterization?

• A. Stay home from school for 1 week
• B. Follow a diet low in fiber for 1 week
• C. Wait 3 days before taking a tub bath
• D. Apply a pressure dressing to the site for 3 days

Answer: (C)

After cardiac catheterization, it is crucial to ensure a child's recovery while minimizing the risk of complications. The appropriate recommendation is to wait a specific period before allowing the child to take a tub bath. After the procedure, it is essential to keep the site clean and dry to prevent infection, and immersing the area in water, such as a tub bath, increases the risk of moisture reaching the site and potentially causing complications. In this context, waiting three days before taking a tub bath is justified as it allows enough time for the incision site to start healing properly while still being observed for any signs of bleeding or infection. During this initial recovery phase, caregivers are advised to keep the site dry and covered to facilitate healing. The other options present unnecessary restrictions or actions that do not align with the recovery protocols following this type of procedure. Staying home from school for an entire week may be excessive, as many children can return to normal activities sooner, especially with proper postoperative care. A low-fiber diet isn’t typically necessary unless indicated for specific gastrointestinal issues. Applying a pressure dressing for three days can also be unnecessary as most protocols recommend assessing the site and changing dressings based on the physician's orders rather than maintaining pressure for that length of time. Therefore, the

After cardiac catheterization, it is crucial to ensure a child's recovery while minimizing the risk of complications. The appropriate recommendation is to wait a specific period before allowing the child to take a tub bath. After the procedure, it is essential to keep the site clean and dry to prevent infection, and immersing the area in water, such as a tub bath, increases the risk of moisture reaching the site and potentially causing complications.

In this context, waiting three days before taking a tub bath is justified as it allows enough time for the incision site to start healing properly while still being observed for any signs of bleeding or infection. During this initial recovery phase, caregivers are advised to keep the site dry and covered to facilitate healing.

The other options present unnecessary restrictions or actions that do not align with the recovery protocols following this type of procedure. Staying home from school for an entire week may be excessive, as many children can return to normal activities sooner, especially with proper postoperative care. A low-fiber diet isn’t typically necessary unless indicated for specific gastrointestinal issues. Applying a pressure dressing for three days can also be unnecessary as most protocols recommend assessing the site and changing dressings based on the physician's orders rather than maintaining pressure for that length of time. Therefore, the