The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of chronic peripheral arterial disease. Which statement by the client warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
"I noticed that the hair on my feet and on my legs, is gone."
"My legs were so cold I had to put a heating pad on them."
"My legs start to hurt when I walk to get my mail."
"My feet look reddish when I put them down."
The Correct Answer is B
A. Loss of hair on the lower extremities can be a common sign of chronic PAD, indicating reduced blood
flow. While it’s an important observation, it is not an immediate concern.
B. Cold legs can indicate poor blood flow, which is a significant concern in PAD. The use of a heating pad can pose a risk of burns due to impaired sensation, especially in clients with poor circulation. This statement warrants immediate intervention, as the nurse should educate the client against using heat sources that can cause injury and assess the client's circulation and potential complications.
C. This describes claudication, a common symptom of PAD, where pain occurs in the legs due to inadequate blood flow during physical activity. While it indicates worsening symptoms of PAD, it is not an immediate emergency.
D. Reddish discoloration (rubor) when the legs are dependent can indicate blood pooling due to decreased venous return or arterial insufficiency. While this observation is significant and requires monitoring, it is not as urgent as the concern related to using a heating pad.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["37.5"]
Explanation
Drip rate (drops per minute) = (Volume to be infused (mL) x Drop factor) / Time (minutes)
3 hours = 3 * 60 = 180 minutes
Drip rate = (450 mL x 15 drops/mL) / 180 minutes Drip rate = 6750 / 180
Drip rate = 37.5 drops per minute
Therefore, the nurse should regulate the IV at a rate of 37.5 drops per minute.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While it is important to maintain a clean and dry dressing, changing it immediately may not be necessary at this stage. The small amount of bloody drainage could be a normal postoperative finding, and changing the dressing could disturb the surgical site.
B. While it is important to keep the physician informed of any changes, in this case, a small amount of bloody drainage may not warrant immediate notification unless it becomes excessive or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
C. Lowering the head of the bed might not directly address the situation. It may be more appropriate if the patient shows signs of hypotension or distress, but there is no indication that the drainage has caused such a concern at this moment.
D. Marking the area of drainage allows for proper monitoring of the situation. It helps track whether the drainage increases, remains the same, or decreases over time. Documentation of the time and date also provides a clear record for the healthcare team regarding the postoperative course, which is essential for ongoing assessment.
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