A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Adjust the thermostat so that the environment is warm.
Apply a heating pad on a low setting to help relieve leg pain.
Wear antiembolic stockings during the day.
Rest with the legs above heart level.
The Correct Answer is A
The nurse should instruct the client to adjust the thermostat so that the environment is warm because cold temperatures can cause vasoconstriction and worsen the symptoms of PAD, such as pain, numbness, and poor wound healing. The client should also avoid exposure to cold weather and wear warm clothing.
- Apply a heating pad on a low setting to help relieve leg pain is wrong because it can cause burns, vasodilation, and increased blood flow to the legs, which can increase the risk of bleeding and edema in PAD.
- Wear antiembolic stockings during the day is wrong because they can impair arterial circulation and cause ischemia and tissue damage in PAD. Antiembolic stockings are used to prevent venous thromboembolism, not arterial disease.
Rest with the legs above heart level is wrong because it can decrease arterial blood flow to the legs and worsen ischemia and pain in PAD. The client should rest with the legs at or below heart level to promote arterial circulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is B
Choice B reason: Intermittent claudication
Intermittent claudication is a characteristic symptom of PAD in the early stage, due to the reduced blood flow to the muscles during exercise. It is a cramping pain in the legs that occurs with walking and is relieved by rest.
Choice A reason: Dependent rubor is a sign of PAD in the advanced stage, due to the impaired vasodilation and reactive hyperemia. It is a reddish color of the lower extremities that occurs when they are lowered and disappears when they are elevated.
Choice C reason: Foot ulcers are a complication of PAD in the late stage, due to the poor wound healing and tissue necrosis. They are usually located on the toes, heels, or pressure points.
Choice D reason: Rest pain is another sign of PAD in the late stage, due to the severe ischemia and nerve damage. It is a persistent pain in the feet or toes that occurs at night and is not relieved by rest.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Performing neurovascular checks with vital signs is an important action to take following a cardiac catheterization accessed through the femoral artery, as it can help monitor for complications such as bleeding, hematoma, infection, thrombosis, or embolism. The nurse should assess the color, temperature, sensation, movement, and pulses of the affected leg, as well as the blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation of the client.
Instructing the client to perform range-of-motion exercises to his lower extremities is not appropriate, as it can increase the risk of bleeding or dislodging the arterial sheath or closure device. The client should keep the affected leg straight and avoid bending or lifting it for several hours after the procedure, or as directed by the provider.
Restricting the client's fluid intake is not necessary, as fluid intake can help prevent dehydration and contrast- induced nephropathy following a cardiac catheterization. The client should be encouraged to drink fluids, unless contraindicated.
dAmbulating the client 1 hr following the procedure is not advisable, as it can cause bleeding, hematoma, or vascular injury. The client should remain on bed rest for 2 to 6 hours after the procedure, or as directed by the provider, and resume ambulation gradually and with assistance.
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