A nurse is using a Doppler ultrasound stethoscope to assess the pedal pulses of a client who has peripheral vascular disease. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Exert firm pressure when placing the probe.
Apply the probe to the exterior aspect of the ankle.
Move the probe until a whooshing sound is present.
Hold the probe at a 30° angle to the blood vessel.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Exerting firm pressure when placing the probe (Choice A) is not recommended because it can potentially compress the blood vessels and impede blood flow. This can lead to inaccurate readings and compromise the assessment of the pedal pulses in a client with peripheral vascular disease.
Choice B rationale:
Applying the probe to the exterior aspect of the ankle (Choice B) is not the standard approach for assessing pedal pulses. The pedal pulses are typically assessed on the dorsal (top) and posterior (back) aspects of the foot, as well as the lateral (side) aspects of the ankle. Placing the probe on the exterior aspect of the ankle might not yield accurate results.
Choice C rationale:
Moving the probe until a whooshing sound is present (Choice C) is the correct action when using a Doppler ultrasound stethoscope to assess pedal pulses. The whooshing sound, known as "Doppler sound," indicates the presence of blood flow. The nurse should gently maneuver the probe until this sound is heard, allowing for an accurate assessment of the pulses and blood flow status.
Choice D rationale:
Holding the probe at a 30° angle to the blood vessel (Choice D) is not a standard practice for assessing pedal pulses with a Doppler ultrasound stethoscope. The nurse should place the probe directly over the pulse site and adjust its position until the Doppler sound is detected.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Planning to insert an oral airway if seizure activity begins is not a suitable intervention for a client with a history of seizures. During a seizure, it's essential to protect the client from injury by preventing them from aspirating secretions or foreign objects. However, inserting an oral airway during an active seizure can be dangerous and lead to injury.
Choice B rationale:
Administering pain medication after the seizure is not a priority intervention. While some clients may experience muscle soreness or discomfort following a seizure, the primary focus during and immediately after a seizure is ensuring the client's safety and preventing injury. Pain medication can be considered later if necessary.
Choice C rationale:
The correct choice is to pad the side rails of the client's bed with blankets. This intervention aims to prevent injury if the client experiences a seizure and comes into contact with the bed rails. Padding the side rails can reduce the risk of trauma and minimize the potential for harm during a seizure episode.
Choice D rationale:
Placing the client in a supine position during a seizure is not recommended. It's important to position the client on their side (lateral recumbent position) during a seizure to allow any oral secretions or vomit to drain from the mouth, reducing the risk of aspiration. Placing the client supine could obstruct the airway and increase the risk of aspiration.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Determining what the client knows about coronary artery disease is an important step in assessing the client's baseline knowledge. However, it's not the first step in developing teaching strategies. First, the nurse should establish a collaborative relationship with the client to set mutual learning goals.
Choice B rationale:
Identifying resources that will help support the client's lifestyle changes is an essential aspect of the teaching process, but it's not the initial step. The nurse needs to work with the client to set goals and develop a plan before seeking external resources.
Choice C rationale:
Establishing mutual learning goals with the client is the most crucial first step. This approach ensures that the teaching plan aligns with the client's needs and preferences, fostering a sense of partnership and increasing the likelihood of successful lifestyle changes.
Choice D rationale:
Scheduling a teaching session about coronary artery disease in a quiet setting is an important consideration for effective teaching, but it comes after the nurse and the client have identified mutual learning goals. The nurse should engage the client in goal-setting before planning specific teaching sessions.
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