A nurse is assessing a client’s circulatory system. Which of the following pulse sites should the nurse avoid assessing bilaterally at the same time?
Carotid
Brachial
Popliteal
Femoral
The Correct Answer is A
A. Carotid
The nurse should avoid assessing the carotid pulses bilaterally at the same time. The carotid arteries are major blood vessels supplying the head and neck with oxygenated blood. Simultaneously assessing both carotid pulses could potentially compromise blood flow to the brain, leading to a decrease in cerebral perfusion. This is particularly important in individuals with a history of cerebrovascular disease or other conditions affecting blood flow to the brain.
B. Brachial:
Assessing the brachial pulses bilaterally at the same time is generally acceptable. The brachial pulses are located in the upper arms.
C. Popliteal:
Assessing the popliteal pulses bilaterally at the same time is generally acceptable. The popliteal pulses are located behind the knee.
D. Femoral:
Assessing the femoral pulses bilaterally at the same time is generally acceptable. The femoral pulses are located in the groin area.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Adequacy of circulation:
This assessment is the highest priority for a client who has undergone a procedure to bypass arteries in the right leg. Monitoring for signs of adequate blood flow, such as color, temperature, capillary refill, and pulses in the operated leg, is critical to identify and address any circulation issues early.
B. Patency of airway:
While maintaining a patent airway is always a priority in postoperative care, it is not the immediate concern in a client who has just undergone a leg bypass procedure. Airway management is essential, but assessing circulation in the operated limb takes precedence.
C. Movement of lower leg:
Assessing movement of the lower leg is important for detecting signs of impaired motor function or complications. However, it is secondary to assessing the adequacy of circulation, which is critical for preventing ischemia and other circulatory issues.
D. Neurovascular status of the left leg:
While monitoring the neurovascular status of the left leg is a valid aspect of the overall assessment, the priority in the immediate postoperative period is to assess the surgical site (right leg) to ensure that blood flow is adequate and that there are no immediate complications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Lub-dub sounds:
This describes the normal heart sounds, with the "lub" representing the closing of the mitral and tricuspid valves (S1) and the "dub" representing the closing of the aortic and pulmonic valves (S2). This is the typical and expected sound of a healthy heart.
B. Gentle blowing or swooshing noise:
This describes the characteristic sound of a heart murmur. Murmurs are abnormal sounds caused by turbulent blood flow, and they are often described as a gentle blowing or swooshing noise heard between the normal heart sounds.
C. Scratchy, leathery heart noise:
This description is not typical for heart sounds or murmurs. Heart sounds are usually described in terms of tones, clicks, or swooshing rather than scratchy or leathery.
D. Abrupt, high-pitched snapping noise:
This description is not typical for heart sounds or murmurs. Heart murmurs are generally characterized by a more continuous, blowing, or swooshing quality, rather than abrupt, high-pitched snapping noises.
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