The nurse is providing postoperative care for a male client who had a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) 4 hours ago and has continuous irrigation.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take to monitor the client for fluid overload?

Choice A rationale

Constant erythema and warmth are more characteristic of venous insufficiency or inflammation, rather than peripheral artery disease. PAD is associated with reduced blood flow and tissue perfusion, leading to symptoms like pallor, coolness, and pain rather than persistent redness and warmth in affected areas.

Choice B rationale

Elevating the legs worsens ischemic pain in PAD by further reducing blood flow. Symptoms typically improve when the legs are in a dependent position due to gravity aiding perfusion. This is a key distinguishing feature in PAD compared to other vascular conditions like venous insufficiency.

Choice C rationale

Discomfort in the legs during exercise relieved by rest, known as intermittent claudication, is a hallmark of PAD. It occurs due to inadequate blood supply during increased activity. Rest restores perfusion and alleviates ischemic pain. This symptom reflects underlying arterial obstruction, a core pathophysiological feature of PAD.

Choice D rationale

Peripheral pulses in PAD are diminished or absent due to arterial obstruction. Bounding pulses in dependent positions suggest venous issues or high cardiac output, not arterial insufficiency. Accurate pulse assessment helps differentiate PAD from other vascular conditions. Normal pulse documentation is critical to diagnosis.

Choice A rationale

Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, primarily acts on vascular smooth muscles to reduce blood pressure. It does not directly affect renal function or significantly increase urine output. This statement reflects a misunderstanding of the drug's mechanism of action.

Choice B rationale

Edema, a common side effect of amlodipine, is due to vasodilation and capillary leakage, particularly in lower extremities. However, sudden discontinuation of the medication may lead to rebound hypertension and should be avoided. Reporting side effects is crucial for alternative management.

Choice C rationale

Amlodipine does not necessitate routine potassium monitoring as it does not significantly affect potassium homeostasis. This requirement is more commonly associated with potassium-wasting diuretics or renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system modulators.

Choice D rationale

Constipation and abdominal pain, although less common, may occur due to gastrointestinal motility changes caused by smooth muscle relaxation. Prompt reporting ensures timely assessment and potential treatment modifications to enhance adherence.