A nurse is assessing a client with suspected peripheral vascular disease. Which finding is most concerning and requires immediate intervention?
Swelling and tenderness in the calf
Intermittent claudication during physical activity
Cold, pale, and numb fingers or toes
Ulceration on the lower leg with foul-smelling discharge
The Correct Answer is D
A) This choice is concerning and may indicate deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Swelling and tenderness in the calf can be a sign of a blood clot, and immediate evaluation is required to prevent potential complications such as a pulmonary embolism. However, it is not as critical as the finding in option D.
B) This choice is concerning and may indicate peripheral artery disease (PAD). Intermittent claudication during physical activity suggests reduced blood flow to the extremities, but it does not require immediate intervention.
C) This choice is concerning and may indicate Raynaud's disease. Raynaud's disease involves the fingers or toes turning white, then blue, and finally red due to blood vessel spasms, but it is not as urgent as the finding in option D.
D) This choice is correct. Ulceration on the lower leg with foul-smelling discharge indicates a severe complication of peripheral vascular disease, possibly related to peripheral artery disease (PAD) or venous insufficiency. Ulcers that have an unpleasant odor and are not healing require immediate intervention to prevent infection and further tissue damage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
For a client with peripheral vascular disease (PAD) who is prescribed cilostazol, the nurse should provide the following instruction:
C) Avoid grapefruit juice while on cilostazol.
Grapefruit juice can interact with certain medications, including cilostazol, and may lead to increased levels of the medication in the bloodstream. This can potentially cause adverse effects or interfere with the intended therapeutic effects of cilostazol. Therefore, clients taking cilostazol should be advised to avoid grapefruit juice.
The other options are not appropriate:
A) Increasing the dosage of cilostazol without consulting a healthcare provider is not recommended and can be dangerous.
B) Cilostazol can be taken with or without food, so taking it on an empty stomach is not necessary.
D) While compression stockings can be used for some individuals with PAD, their use should be discussed with the healthcare provider and is not specific to cilostazol instructions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because encouraging prolonged standing can worsen symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Prolonged standing increases venous pressure in the legs and can lead to further swelling and discomfort.
B) This choice is correct. Elevating the legs above heart level when resting is a beneficial intervention for individuals with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Elevating the legs helps improve venous return and reduces swelling in the legs.
C) This choice is incorrect because applying warm compresses to the legs may provide temporary relief for some individuals, but it is not a primary intervention for managing chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
D) This choice is incorrect because tight-fitting compression stockings are commonly used to manage chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), but they should be fitted appropriately by a healthcare professional. Wearing overly tight compression stockings can impede blood flow and cause discomfort.
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