A patient with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is sitting in a chair and has cool feet that are reddish-purple in color. What action should the nurse take?
Notify the physician.
Evaluate the distal pulses.
Have the patient lie in bed with a pillow under the knees.
Cover the patient with a blanket.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Notifying the physician is important, but it is not the immediate action to take. The nurse should first assess the patient's condition before contacting the physician.
Choice B reason: Evaluating the distal pulses is the correct action because it provides information on the blood flow to the extremities, which is crucial for patients with PAD.
Choice C reason: Having the patient lie in bed with a pillow under the knees is not recommended for PAD patients as it can decrease blood flow to the lower extremities.
Choice D reason: Covering the patient with a blanket may provide comfort, but it does not address the underlying issue of impaired blood flow in PAD.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Catatonia is characterized by symptoms such as extreme muscle rigidity, repetitive speech, and resistance to movement, which align with Lisa's presentation. It is often associated with other mental health conditions but can also be a standalone diagnosis.
Choice B reason: Disorganized schizophrenia is marked by disorganized thinking and behavior, inappropriate emotional responses, and erratic actions. While Lisa's symptoms could suggest a psychotic disorder, they do not specifically indicate disorganized schizophrenia.
Choice C reason: Schizotypal disorder involves eccentric behavior, odd beliefs, and difficulty forming close relationships. Lisa's symptoms do not align with the core characteristics of schizotypal disorder.
Choice D reason: Brief psychotic disorder is a short-term condition that includes delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech. Lisa's symptoms could be part of a brief psychotic episode, but the specific mention of muscle rigidity and resistance to movement is more indicative of catatonia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The first step should always be to assess the patient's physical state to rule out any immediate life-threatening conditions before proceeding with psychiatric interventions.
Choice B reason: Administering medication may be necessary, but it should not precede an assessment of the patient's vital signs.
Choice C reason: While instructing the patient to sit and breathe deeply can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, it is not the first action to take before assessing the patient's vital signs.
Choice D reason: Imagery exercises can be helpful for managing anxiety, but they are not the priority before ensuring the patient's physiological stability.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.