To assess a client's dorsalis pedis pulse, the nurse applies firm pressure over the top of the foot between the extension tendons of the great and first toes but does not feel a pulsation. Which action should the nurse take next?
Reduce the amount of pressure being applied on the top of the foot.
Document in the nurse's notes that the dorsalis pedis pulse is not palpable.
Obtain a Doppler stethoscope to auscultate the pulse at the same site.
Palpate the site on the inner side of the ankle below the medial malleolus.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale: Excessive pressure can occlude arterial flow, preventing detection of the dorsalis pedis pulse. Reducing pressure allows blood flow to be felt, improving accuracy of pulse assessment.
Choice B rationale: Documentation without rechecking risks inaccurate reporting. Pulses may be present but obscured by technique, so confirming with proper palpation or alternative methods is necessary before recording findings.
Choice C rationale: Doppler stethoscope is useful but should be considered after correcting palpation technique. Initial step is adjusting pressure, as improper technique commonly explains absent pulse detection.
Choice D rationale: Palpating posterior tibial pulse assesses a different artery. While useful for circulation evaluation, it does not address the immediate issue of dorsalis pedis pulse palpation technique.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Giving water may be necessary, but it is not the first intervention if there is a concern about urinary output.
Choice B reason: Notifying the healthcare provider is important but should occur after initial assessments and interventions.
Choice C reason: Checking for a kink in the drainage tubing is a quick and simple intervention that may resolve the issue of low output.
Choice D reason: Reviewing the intake and output record is important for understanding the patient's fluid status but is not the first action to take in this situation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Praising the UAP for using standard precautions is not appropriate in this situation as using the same gloves for multiple clients breaches infection control protocols.
Choice B reason: The nurse should instruct the UAP to change gloves immediately to prevent cross-contamination between clients.
Choice C reason: While scheduling an in-service program on asepsis is beneficial for long-term education, it does not address the immediate risk of infection.
Choice D reason: Submitting an adverse occurrence report may be necessary if there is a pattern of non-compliance, but the first action should be to correct the behavior and ensure client safety.
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