طفل عمره ٣ سنوات بعد قسطرة قلبية تشخيصية عبر الشريان الفخذي الأيمن قبل ساعتين. أمه تقول إنه يبكي، والضماد جاف. الممرض يقيمه ويجد عدة ملاحظات. أي ملاحظة تحتاج تدخلاً أولاً؟

A 3-year-old is 2 hours after diagnostic cardiac catheterisation via the right femoral artery. His mother says he is crying; the dressing is dry. The nurse assesses him and notes several findings. Which requires intervention first?

1. The foot on that side is cold and pale with a weak pulse
2. The dressing is dry with a small old stain on it
3. The child is crying and asking for water
4. His temperature is 37.4 °C after the anaesthetic

Answer: A) The foot on that side is cold and pale with a weak pulse. A cold, pale foot with a weak pulse after catheterisation may mean arterial occlusion or spasm, an important complication in children’s small vessels, and is reported at once. Crying, thirst and a mild temperature are expected.