A nurse is caring for a client who has a central venous access device. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Exerting firm pressure when placing the probe (Choice A) is not recommended because it can potentially compress the blood vessels and impede blood flow. This can lead to inaccurate readings and compromise the assessment of the pedal pulses in a client with peripheral vascular disease.

Choice B rationale:

Applying the probe to the exterior aspect of the ankle (Choice B) is not the standard approach for assessing pedal pulses. The pedal pulses are typically assessed on the dorsal (top) and posterior (back) aspects of the foot, as well as the lateral (side) aspects of the ankle. Placing the probe on the exterior aspect of the ankle might not yield accurate results.

Choice C rationale:

Moving the probe until a whooshing sound is present (Choice C) is the correct action when using a Doppler ultrasound stethoscope to assess pedal pulses. The whooshing sound, known as "Doppler sound," indicates the presence of blood flow. The nurse should gently maneuver the probe until this sound is heard, allowing for an accurate assessment of the pulses and blood flow status.

Choice D rationale:

Holding the probe at a 30° angle to the blood vessel (Choice D) is not a standard practice for assessing pedal pulses with a Doppler ultrasound stethoscope. The nurse should place the probe directly over the pulse site and adjust its position until the Doppler sound is detected.

Choice A rationale:

When leaving a client's isolation room, the nurse should remove gloves (Choice A) first. Gloves are considered contaminated and can harbor microorganisms. Removing them first helps prevent the spread of potential pathogens to other surfaces or items while removing other personal protective equipment (PPE).

Choice B rationale:

Goggles (Choice B) protect the eyes from splashes and airborne particles. However, they should be removed after gloves. Gloves have a higher potential for contamination due to direct contact with the client and the environment.

Choice C rationale:

Removing the gown (Choice C) should follow the removal of gloves and goggles. The gown provides a barrier against potential contaminants and should be taken off to prevent self-contamination while disrobing from other PPE.

Choice D rationale:

The mask (Choice D) should be removed last. It provides respiratory protection and prevents the nurse from inhaling airborne particles. Keeping the mask on while removing other PPE items helps maintain a barrier against potential exposure to respiratory pathogens.