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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Carefully cleans and peels all fresh fruit and vegetables:
While cleaning and peeling fresh fruits and vegetables may contribute to food safety, it is not a specific indication of adherence to the DASH eating plan.
B. Uses only lactose-free dairy products:
The DASH eating plan encourages the consumption of low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Using lactose-free dairy products may be necessary for individuals with lactose intolerance, but it is not a specific behavior related to the DASH plan.
C. No longer includes grains in the daily diet:
The DASH eating plan includes whole grains as part of a balanced diet. Eliminating grains altogether is not consistent with the DASH plan, which encourages the consumption of whole grains.
D. Enjoys fat-free yogurt as an occasional snack food:
This is the correct answer. The DASH eating plan recommends the inclusion of low-fat or fat-free dairy products as part of a heart-healthy diet. Choosing fat-free yogurt as an occasional snack aligns with the principles of the DASH plan, which emphasizes low-fat dairy options.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Initiate cardiac telemetry:
Cardiac telemetry is not the immediate priority in this case. Kidney stones are more likely to cause severe localized pain rather than cardiac-related symptoms.
B. Administer a PRN dose of a laxative:
Laxatives are not indicated for the management of kidney stones or the associated flank pain. The priority is to address the specific needs related to the possible passage of kidney stones.
C. Implement seizure precautions:
Seizure precautions are not relevant to the sudden onset of severe flank pain in the context of hyperparathyroidism. The focus should be on managing pain, assessing for kidney stone passage, and addressing the underlying cause.
D. Begin straining all urine.
Straining all urine allows for the collection and examination of any passed stones. This information is important for identifying the composition of the stones and guiding further management.
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