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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Increased BUN and serum creatinine are not typically symptoms of mononucleosis. These laboratory findings are more commonly associated with kidney dysfunction.
Choice B rationale
Ear pain and fever can be symptoms of many illnesses, including mononucleosis. However, they are not the most specific symptoms of this condition.
Choice C rationale
A positive Epstein-Barr virus test and malaise are common symptoms of mononucleosis. The Epstein-Barr virus is the most common cause of mononucleosis.
Choice D rationale
Elevated WBC and sedimentation rate can be seen in many inflammatory or infectious conditions, including mononucleosis. However, they are not the most specific symptoms of this condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hematocrit is a measure of the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. While it can be affected by various conditions, it is not the most relevant lab value to check when purulent drainage is noticed at a postoperative patient’s dressing site.
Choice B rationale
Neutrophil count is a measure of the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in the blood. An elevated neutrophil count can indicate an infection, making it the most relevant lab value to check in this scenario.
Choice C rationale
Platelet count is a measure of the number of platelets in the blood. While platelets play a crucial role in blood clotting, they are not directly related to infection and therefore not the most relevant lab value to check in this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Serum sodium level is a measure of the amount of sodium in the blood. While it can be affected by various conditions, it is not the most relevant lab value to check when purulent drainage is noticed at a postoperative patient’s dressing site.
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