A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has developed an irregular heartbeat. When evaluating circulation to the client’s brain, which of the following pulse sites should the nurse use?

Choice A reason: Decreasing blood flow to extremities worsens peripheral arterial disease, causing ischemia and pain. The goal is to improve arterial flow, making this incorrect, as it opposes the therapeutic aim of enhancing perfusion to reduce symptoms and improve limb function.

Choice B reason: Decreasing treatment plan compliance undermines peripheral arterial disease management, which requires adherence to exercise and medications to improve circulation. This is incorrect, as the goal is to enhance compliance to achieve better outcomes, not reduce it, for effective disease control.

Choice C reason: Improving blood flow to arteries through exercise, medications, or surgery, and increasing functional status by reducing claudication, are primary goals of peripheral arterial disease treatment. This enhances tissue perfusion and mobility, making it the correct choice for the treatment objectives.

Choice D reason: Increasing motor and non-motor complications is contrary to peripheral arterial disease treatment, which aims to reduce symptoms like pain and improve function. Complications worsen outcomes, making this incorrect, as the focus is on improving circulation and functional status, not causing harm.

Choice A reason: 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, like brisk walking, is recommended for hypertension management, as it lowers blood pressure by improving vascular function and reducing cardiac workload. This aligns with guidelines for Mr. Carter, making it the correct physical activity recommendation.

Choice B reason: Avoiding exercise is incorrect, as moderate activity benefits hypertension by lowering blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health. Inactivity worsens hypertension, making this an inappropriate recommendation for Mr. Carter, who needs exercise to manage his condition effectively.

Choice C reason: 10 minutes of walking once a week is insufficient for hypertension management, which requires 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly to reduce blood pressure. This minimal activity does not provide cardiovascular benefits, making it an incorrect recommendation for Mr. Carter’s health needs.

Choice D reason: Exercising only under supervision is unnecessary for most hypertensive patients, as unsupervised moderate exercise is safe and effective. The standard recommendation is 150 minutes weekly, making this incorrect, as it overly restricts Mr. Carter’s ability to engage in beneficial physical activity.