A client is two hours postoperative from a cardiac catheterization via the right femoral artery.
Which assessment finding indicates arterial obstruction?
The right foot is cool to the touch and appears pale and blanched.
The pressure dressing at the right femoral area is moist and oozing blood.
The client’s blood pressure trend is downward, and the pulse is rapid and irregular.
The pulse distal to the femoral artery is weaker on the left foot than the right foot.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The right foot being cool to the touch and appearing pale and blanched is a classic sign of arterial obstruction. After a cardiac catheterization via the right femoral artery, it’s possible that a clot or other obstruction could have formed, impeding blood flow to the right foot. This would cause the foot to become cool and pale due to lack of warm, oxygenated blood.
Choice B rationale
While a moist and oozing pressure dressing at the right femoral area could indicate a problem such as bleeding from the catheter insertion site, it does not specifically indicate arterial obstruction.
Choice C rationale
A downward trend in blood pressure and a rapid, irregular pulse could indicate many different problems, including shock, heart failure, or arrhythmias. However, these symptoms are not specific to arterial obstruction.
Choice D rationale
A weaker pulse distal to the femoral artery on the left foot compared to the right foot could indicate a problem with circulation to the left foot, but it does not indicate an obstruction in the right femoral artery.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
The assessment findings that require immediate follow up by the nurse are: The client has mild subcostal retractions. This could indicate that she is using accessory muscles to breathe, which is a sign of respiratory distress. The client is sitting in an upright position. This is a common position for people who are having difficulty breathing because it allows for maximum expansion of the lungs. Wheezes are noted throughout the lung fields. Wheezing can be a sign of an obstructive process such as asthma. The client is pale. Paleness can be a sign of decreased oxygenation. Her heart rate is 122 beats/minute, which is above the normal range and can indicate that her body is working harder to get oxygen. Her oxygen saturation is 91% on room air. Normal oxygen saturation is generally 95% or higher, so this could indicate that she is not getting enough oxygen.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While altered taste sensation can occur with radiation treatment, it’s not the most likely reason for an imbalance in nutritional intake in this scenario.
Choice B rationale
Fatigue can be a side effect of radiation treatment, but it’s not the primary reason for an imbalance in nutritional intake in this case.
Choice C rationale
Pain during eating is the most likely cause of imbalanced nutritional intake in this scenario. The patient’s laryngeal cancer and the development of mucositis indicate that eating is likely painful for them. This discomfort can significantly deter the patient from eating, leading to decreased nutritional intake.
Choice D rationale
Nausea can occur with radiation treatment, but it’s not the primary reason for an imbalance in nutritional intake in this case.
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