A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a male adult client who is at risk for peripheral arterial disease due to atherosclerosis. The nurse should identify which of the following results places the client at risk :
Triglycerides : 130 mg/dL
HDL : 84 mg/dL
Blood glucose : 92 mg/dL
LDL : 172 mg/dL
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason : The triglyceride level of 130 mg/dL is within the normal range, which is less than 150 mg/dL for adults. Therefore, this result does not place the client at risk for peripheral arterial disease.
Choice B reason : An HDL level of 84 mg/dL is considered good as it is higher than the minimum recommended level of 40 mg/dL for males and 50 mg/dL for females. Higher levels of HDL are protective against heart disease.
Choice C reason : A blood glucose level of 92 mg/dL is within the normal fasting range of 70 to 99 mg/dL. This indicates that the client does not have diabetes, which is a risk factor for peripheral arterial disease.
Choice D reason : An LDL level of 172 mg/dL is considered high since the optimal level for LDL is less than 100 mg/dL. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis, increasing the risk for peripheral arterial disease.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason : Keeping the client in a high-Fowler's position for 6 hours post-cardiac catheterization is not recommended. After a femoral approach, it's important to keep the leg straight and the patient flat or with the head slightly elevated to prevent bleeding from the catheter insertion site. High-Fowler's position could increase the risk of bleeding and is not conducive to maintaining pressure at the arterial access site.
Choice B reason : Allowing the patient to ambulate around the room immediately after the procedure is contraindicated. The patient is typically required to remain on bed rest with the affected leg straight to prevent bleeding and ensure proper healing of the arterial puncture site. Ambulation is usually restricted for several hours post-procedure.
Choice C reason : Checking pedal pulses every 15 minutes is a critical action following cardiac catheterization via the femoral artery. It ensures that there is adequate blood flow to the extremity and helps to identify any complications such as occlusion or bleeding early. Adequate perfusion is indicated by strong and equal pedal pulses.
Choice D reason : Performing passive range-of-motion exercises for the affected extremity immediately after cardiac catheterization is not recommended. The affected leg should remain straight without bending at the hip to prevent bleeding from the catheter site. Passive range-of-motion could disrupt the vascular integrity at the puncture site and increase the risk of bleeding.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason : Thickened toenails are often associated with fungal infections and are not a direct symptom of venous insufficiency. However, they can appear in patients with chronic venous insufficiency due to poor circulation that affects the health of the toenails.
Choice B reason : Shiny, thin skin on the lower extremities is more characteristic of arterial insufficiency, where there is a reduction in blood flow and oxygen to the tissues. In venous insufficiency, the skin may instead appear thickened and discolored due to stasis and buildup of hemosiderin from the breakdown of red blood cells.
Choice C reason : A dusky, red color of the feet when dangling can be a sign of dependent rubor, which is associated with arterial insufficiency. This occurs when there is a severe decrease in arterial blood flow to the lower extremities. Venous insufficiency may cause a different color change, typically a brownish discoloration due to hemosiderin deposition.
Choice D reason : Pitting edema is a hallmark sign of venous insufficiency. It occurs due to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, which is a result of increased pressure in the veins. This pressure causes fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues, leading to swelling that retains an indentation when pressed.
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