The nurse is caring for a client immediately after repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. On assessment, the client has absent popliteal, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedis pulses. The leg cool and mottled. Which action should the nurse take first?
Wrap both legs in a warming blanket
Compare findings to the preoperative assessment of the pulses
Document the findings and recheck in 15 minutes.
Notify the surgeon and anesthesiologist
The Correct Answer is D
The nurse should prioritize notifying the surgeon and anesthesiologist as the first action. The absent pulses, coolness, and mottled appearance of the leg indicate potential compromised blood flow to the lower extremity, which could be a sign of vascular compromise or acute limb ischemia. These findings are concerning after the repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm and require immediate medical attention.
Wrap both legs in a warming blanket: While it is important to maintain the client's body temperature, this action alone may not address the underlying issue of compromised blood flow and potential limb ischemia. Notifying the surgeon and anesthesiologist is the priority to address the immediate concern.
Compare findings to the preoperative assessment of the pulses: While comparing findings to the preoperative assessment is important for evaluating the client's condition, it should not delay immediate action. The priority in this situation is to promptly notify the surgeon and anesthesiologist to address the potential vascular compromise.
Document the findings and recheck in 15 minutes: Documenting the findings is an important step in the nursing process, but it should not take precedence over immediate intervention. The concerning signs of absent pulses, coolness, and mottled appearance require urgent attention, and delaying notification could lead to further complications.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should teach the client that the transthoracic echocardiography is a noninvasive test and that nothing will be inserted into the client's body.
Transthoracic echocardiography is a diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound to create images of the heart's structures and assess its function. It is a noninvasive test, meaning that it does not involve any insertion of instruments or devices into the body. Instead, a transducer is placed on the chest to obtain images of the heart.
The statement about managing pain aggressively during the procedure is not applicable to transthoracic echocardiography. It is generally a painless procedure that does not cause discomfort.
Transthoracic echocardiography primarily provides detailed images of the heart's structures and function, such as the chambers, valves, and pumping action. It does not specifically profile the heart's electrical activity, which is usually assessed using an electrocardiogram (ECG) or other specialized tests.
Regarding bed rest after the test, there is typically no need for bed rest following transthoracic echocardiography. The client can usually resume normal activities immediately after the procedure. However, the nurse should provide specific instructions based on the client's condition and any additional tests or interventions planned.

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Pain level of 10 out of 10: Severe pain can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and result in an increased heart rate.
Temperature 101.9°F: Fever can lead to an elevated heart rate as the body's response to infection or inflammation.
Hemoglobin: 7 g/dL: Low hemoglobin levels, known as anemia, can cause the heart to pump faster in an attempt to compensate for the decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
Cocaine abuse: Cocaine is a stimulant drug that can significantly increase heart rate and cause tachycardia.
The following clinical finding would not typically be associated with tachycardia:
Blood glucose 90 mg/dL: While low or high blood glucose levels can cause symptoms, they are not directly associated with tachycardia unless they lead to significant physiological stress or hormonal imbalances.

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