Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What should a nurse instruct a school-age child about postoperative care following cardiac catheterization?

1. Take a tub bath after 2 days.

2. Wait 3 days before taking a tub bath.

3. Change the dressing daily.

4. Limit activity for one week.

The correct answer is: Wait 3 days before taking a tub bath.

Instructing a school-age child about postoperative care following cardiac catheterization involves ensuring safety and preventing complications. Waiting 3 days before taking a tub bath is appropriate because it allows time for any potential incision or access site to heal adequately, reducing the risk of infection that could occur from submerging the site in water too soon. Surgical sites need adequate time to form a protective layer before being exposed to moisture, which could introduce bacteria and lead to complications such as wound infections. The other options may not align with standard postoperative care guidelines following cardiac catheterization. For instance, taking a tub bath after only 2 days might expose the site to unnecessary risk of infection, and changing the dressing daily could disturb the healing process unless specifically directed by a healthcare provider. Finally, limiting activity for one week may be more restrictive than necessary, as healthcare professionals typically encourage some level of activity to promote recovery, depending on the child's condition and doctor's recommendations. Thus, waiting 3 days is a balanced approach that prioritizes the child's safety and recovery.