A nurse is using a Doppler ultrasound stethoscope to assess the pedal pulses of a client who has peripheral vascular disease. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Exert firm pressure when placing the probe.
Apply the probe to the exterior aspect of the ankle.
Move the probe until a whooshing sound is present.
Hold the probe at a 30° angle to the blood vessel.
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice A.
Choice A rationale: Placing a sterile kit on the overbed table above waist level maintains the sterility of the field. This position ensures that the kit is not contaminated by lower surfaces or inadvertent touch, which is essential for preventing infection during dressing changes.
Choice B rationale: Opening the outermost flap of the sterile kit toward their body increases the risk of contaminating the sterile field. The first flap should be opened away from the body to maintain the sterility of the field and prevent contamination.
Choice C rationale: Turning their back to the sterile field when coughing is incorrect because it increases the risk of contamination. The nurse should step away from the sterile field and cough into their elbow or use a mask to maintain sterility.
Choice D rationale: Holding a package of sterile gauze 30.5 cm (12 in) above the sterile field when dropping the gauze onto the field is too high and increases the risk of contamination. The gauze should be held closer, approximately 6 inches above the field, to ensure accuracy and sterility.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Providing oral replacement solution is the nurse's priority in this situation. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances due to fluid loss. Oral rehydration solutions contain electrolytes and fluids that can help restore the body's hydration balance. Ensuring the client's adequate fluid intake takes precedence in preventing complications associated with diarrhea.
Choice B rationale:
Obtaining a prescription for antidiarrheal medication is important, but it is not the priority action. The client's dehydration and electrolyte imbalance should be addressed first through oral rehydration before focusing on symptom management.
Choice C rationale:
Offering the client a sitz bath is not the priority action for someone experiencing diarrhea. Sitz baths are typically used for conditions affecting the perineal area, such as hemorrhoids or perineal discomfort. However, in the case of diarrhea, the primary concern is managing fluid and electrolyte balance.
Choice D rationale:
Collecting a specimen of the client's stool is important for diagnostic purposes, but it is not the immediate priority. The client's hydration status and electrolyte balance should be addressed promptly to prevent complications. Stool collection can be considered once the client's hydration has been stabilized.
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