A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for pressure injury formation due to immobility. The nurse should place the client in which of the following positions to reduce pressure on the client's bony prominences?

Choice A rationale:

Peer pressure (Choice A) is an external stressor, as it involves the influence of others on an individual's thoughts or actions. It originates from outside the individual and is not directly related to an internal psychological response.

Choice B rationale:

Death of a family member (Choice B) is an external stressor, as it is an event that occurs externally to the individual. While it can cause significant emotional distress, it is not considered an internal stressor.

Choice C rationale:

Fear of medical test results (Choice C) is the correct answer as an internal stressor. Internal stressors are psychological or emotional factors that originate within the individual and contribute to stress. Fear of medical test results is a personal worry that can lead to anxiety and emotional turmoil.

Choice D rationale:

Job transfer to another city (Choice D) is an external stressor, as it involves a change in the individual's external environment. It is not an internal psychological factor causing stress.

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.