An obese post-surgical patient reports sudden discomfort in her leg.
Upon assessment, the nurse finds the leg to be cold and pale, with no pedal or popliteal pulse. What should the nurse suspect?
Venous thrombosis.
Paresthesia.
Vascular spasm.
Arterial occlusion.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Venous thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein, typically in the leg. While this condition can cause discomfort and changes in the appearance of the leg, it would not typically cause the leg to become cold and pale or result in the loss of a pulse.
Choice B rationale
Paresthesia refers to abnormal sensations in the body, such as tingling, numbness, or burning. While this condition could potentially cause discomfort, it would not typically cause the leg to become cold and pale or result in the loss of a pulse.
Choice C rationale
Vascular spasm is a sudden, brief tightening of the muscles inside the walls of a blood vessel. While this could potentially cause discomfort and changes in the appearance of the leg, it would not typically cause the leg to become cold and pale or result in the loss of a pulse.
Choice D rationale
Arterial occlusion is the correct answer. This condition involves a blockage in an artery, which can significantly reduce blood flow to the affected area. This could cause the leg to become cold and pale and result in the loss of a pulse.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A pleural friction rub is an audible raspy breathing sound, a medical sign present in some patients with pleurisy and other conditions affecting the chest cavity. It is not a typical symptom of cardiac tamponade.
Choice B rationale
Distended neck veins are a result of the collapsed blood vessels that should return blood to the heart. This is a common symptom of cardiac tamponade.
Choice C rationale
Widening pulse pressure occurs with valvular heart disease, not typically with cardiac tamponade.
Choice D rationale
Bradycardia, or a slower-than-normal heart rate, is not typically associated with cardiac tamponade.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A 65-year-old male recovering from right lobectomy for treatment of lung cancer is at risk for developing sepsis. Post-surgical patients, especially those with cancer, are at increased risk due to potential infection at the surgical site and a weakened immune system from the cancer and/or its treatment.
Choice B rationale
A 78-year-old female with diabetes mellitus who is recovering from colon surgery is at risk for developing sepsis. Diabetes can impair the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. Additionally, any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection.
Choice C rationale
A 35-year-old female who is hospitalized with renal insufficiency and has a Foley catheter and central line in place is at risk for developing sepsis. Hospitalized patients, particularly those with invasive devices like catheters and central lines, are at increased risk due to potential introduction of bacteria into the body.
Choice D rationale
A 55-year-old male who is a recent kidney transplant recipient is at risk for developing sepsis. Transplant recipients are often on immunosuppressive therapy to prevent organ rejection, which can leave them more susceptible to infections.
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