A patient with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) has recently undergone Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) of the lower extremity. Which assessment is crucial for the nurse to perform post-procedure?

Choice A rationale
While reducing anxiety and alleviating pain are important, they are not the most appropriate initial nursing intervention for a client with substernal chest pain, elevated ST segment on the ECG, and increased cardiac troponin level.
Choice B rationale
Enhancing myocardial oxygenation and decreasing cardiac workload are crucial initial nursing interventions for a client presenting with these symptoms. These actions can help prevent further damage to the heart muscle.
Choice C rationale
Removing family stressors and providing a tranquil environment, while beneficial, are not the most appropriate initial nursing interventions for a client with these symptoms.
Choice D rationale
Initiating a low-sodium diet and limiting fluid intake are important for managing heart failure, but they are not the most appropriate initial nursing interventions for a client with these symptoms.

Choice A rationale
Furosemide (Lasix) is a diuretic often used in the treatment of pulmonary edema to help remove excess fluid from the body. While it’s important to monitor the patient’s fluid and electrolyte balance, it’s not typically necessary to question this medication.
Choice B rationale
Captopril (Capoten) is an ACE inhibitor used to treat conditions like heart failure and high blood pressure. It can be beneficial in managing pulmonary edema by reducing the workload on the heart. It’s not typically necessary to question this medication.
Choice C rationale
Digoxin (Lanoxin) is a medication used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation. It’s important to question this medication before administration because digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure the patient’s digoxin levels are within the therapeutic range before administering more of the medication.
Choice D rationale
Carvedilol (Coreg) is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. While it’s important to monitor the patient’s blood pressure and heart rate, it’s not typically necessary to question this medication.