Four days following an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, the client is exhibiting edema of both lower extremities, and pedal pulses are not palpable. Which action should the nurse implement first?

Elevate extremities on pillows.

Evaluate edema for pitting.

Wrap the feet with warmed blankets.

Assess pulses with a vascular Doppler

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Elevate extremities on pillows:
While elevation can be beneficial for reducing dependent edema, the priority is to assess the pulses first to determine the adequacy of peripheral perfusion.

B. Evaluate edema for pitting:
Assessing edema for pitting is important for gathering additional information, but it is not the initial action in this scenario. Assessing pulses is more critical to evaluate perfusion.

C. Wrap the feet with warmed blankets:
Warming the feet with blankets may be appropriate in some situations, but it is not the priority when the client is exhibiting edema and non-palpable pedal pulses. The primary concern is assessing perfusion.

D. Assess pulses with a vascular Doppler:
This is the correct action. The non-palpable pedal pulses are concerning and require immediate assessment to determine the status of peripheral perfusion. Using a vascular Doppler will help the nurse assess the presence or absence of blood flow in the lower extremities.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Increasing anxiety:
While emotional and psychological aspects are important in holistic care, immediate intervention is usually required for physiological concerns. Increasing anxiety may need attention, but it is not as urgent as addressing potential respiratory issues.

B. Inappropriate laughter:
Changes in emotional expression, such as inappropriate laughter, can occur in ALS due to involvement of upper motor neurons. While notable, it may not be as urgent as addressing respiratory concerns.

C. Weakened cough effort.
In ALS, respiratory muscles can become affected as the disease progresses, leading to respiratory complications. Weakened cough effort is concerning because it can indicate potential respiratory muscle weakness, which may lead to difficulty clearing secretions and an increased risk of respiratory compromise or infection.

D. Asymmetrical weakness:
Asymmetrical weakness is a common feature of ALS, but it may not necessarily warrant immediate intervention unless there are sudden changes or signs of acute distress. Respiratory symptoms, such as weakened cough effort, often require more immediate attention.

A. Measure pulse and blood pressure B. Document anxiety on the surgical checklist C. Assess skin temperature and moisture D. Check fingerstick glucose level E. Administer a PRN dose of regular insulin

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

A. Measure pulse and blood pressure:
This action is crucial to assess the client's cardiovascular status. Weakness and jitteriness can be related to changes in blood pressure or cardiac function. Measuring pulse and blood pressure helps determine the client's hemodynamic stability.

B. Document anxiety on the surgical checklist:
While anxiety is a valid consideration, addressing the physiological aspects of the client's symptoms takes precedence.

C. Assess skin temperature and moisture:
Assessing skin temperature and moisture provides information about the client's perfusion and hydration status. Changes in skin characteristics can be indicative of underlying issues, and in a diabetic patient, it's important to monitor for potential complications affecting skin integrity.

D. Check fingerstick glucose level:
Given the client's recent diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and the reported symptoms of weakness and jitteriness, checking the fingerstick glucose level is crucial. Fluctuations in blood glucose levels, whether hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, can contribute to these symptoms. This test provides immediate information about the client's glycemic status.

E. Administer a PRN dose of regular insulin:
If the fingerstick glucose level indicates hyperglycemia and the healthcare provider has prescribed a PRN (as needed) dose of regular insulin for high blood sugar, administering insulin may be necessary to address hyperglycemia promptly. This is in line with diabetes management protocols, and the nurse should follow specific orders and guidelines for insulin administration.

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Four days following an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, the client is exhibiting edema of both lower extremities, and pedal pulses are not palpable. Which action should the nurse implement first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

While caring for a client with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the nurse performs a neurological assessment every four hours. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

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