A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving heparin by continuous IV infusion.
Which of the following medications should the nurse plan to administer in the event of an overdose?

Smoking, Diabetes, Atherosclerosis, and Weak pedal pulses.

Factors that contribute to poor circulation to the limb include:

• Smoking: It can cause constriction and damage to the blood vessels, leading to poor circulation.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to poor circulation.
• Atherosclerosis: This is a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow.
• Weak pedal pulses: This can be a sign of reduced blood flow to the lower extremities. A sodium-restricted diet (Choice B) is not typically associated with poor circulation.

Choice A rationale

Frothy sputum is a common finding in patients with left-sided heart failure. This is due to fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema), which can cause the sputum to become frothy.

Choice B rationale

Dependent edema is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure. It occurs due to fluid accumulation in the systemic circulation, leading to swelling in the lower extremities.

Choice C rationale

Nocturnal polyuria can occur in heart failure, but it is not a specific sign of left-sided heart failure.

Choice D rationale

Jugular venous distention is a sign of right-sided heart failure, not left-sided heart failure. It occurs due to increased pressure in the right atrium, leading to visible distention of the jugular veins.