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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Atrial Flutter is a type of arrhythmia where the atria beat regularly, but much faster than usual. The treatment for Atrial Flutter is typically medication, not cardioversion.
Choice B rationale
Ventricular Tachycardia is a fast, abnormal heart rate. It starts in your heart’s lower chambers, or ventricles. Ventricular Tachycardia is a serious condition and can be life-threatening. While cardioversion can be used in some cases, it is not the primary treatment.
Choice C rationale
Atrial Fibrillation is when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat irregularly. This causes the atria to twitch, leading to an abnormal heart rhythm. The treatment for Atrial Fibrillation is typically medication, not cardioversion.
Choice D rationale
Ventricular Fibrillation is a life-threatening heart rhythm that results in a rapid, erratic heartbeat. During Ventricular Fibrillation, the heart quivers and can’t pump any blood, causing cardiac arrest. The treatment for Ventricular Fibrillation is Defibrillation.

A. Evaluate the need for smoking cessation B. Apply TED hose to both legs C. Consult with physical therapy D. Obtain Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) using a hand-held Doppler

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Evaluating the need for smoking cessation is a standard part of nursing care, especially for patients with circulatory issues. Smoking can exacerbate circulatory problems and delay wound healing.
Choice B rationale
Applying TED hose to both legs might not be appropriate for this patient. TED hose are compression stockings designed to prevent deep vein thrombosis and promote circulation. However, in a patient with weak pedal pulses and a full-thickness wound on the leg, the compression from the stockings could potentially worsen circulation to the area and impede wound healing.
Choice C rationale
Consulting with physical therapy could be beneficial for this patient. Physical therapists can provide exercises and interventions to improve circulation and mobility, which could help with the patient’s circulatory issues and wound healing.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) using a hand-held Doppler could be useful in this situation. The ABI is a simple, non-invasive test that can help diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that could be causing the patient’s weak pedal pulses and wound healing issues.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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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?