An obese post-surgical patient reports sudden discomfort in her leg.
Upon assessment, the nurse finds the leg to be cold and pale, with no pedal or popliteal pulse. What should the nurse suspect?
Venous thrombosis.
Paresthesia.
Vascular spasm.
Arterial occlusion.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Venous thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein, typically in the leg. While this condition can cause discomfort and changes in the appearance of the leg, it would not typically cause the leg to become cold and pale or result in the loss of a pulse.
Choice B rationale
Paresthesia refers to abnormal sensations in the body, such as tingling, numbness, or burning. While this condition could potentially cause discomfort, it would not typically cause the leg to become cold and pale or result in the loss of a pulse.
Choice C rationale
Vascular spasm is a sudden, brief tightening of the muscles inside the walls of a blood vessel. While this could potentially cause discomfort and changes in the appearance of the leg, it would not typically cause the leg to become cold and pale or result in the loss of a pulse.
Choice D rationale
Arterial occlusion is the correct answer. This condition involves a blockage in an artery, which can significantly reduce blood flow to the affected area. This could cause the leg to become cold and pale and result in the loss of a pulse.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Digoxin slows the heart rate and increases the force of heart contractions, which can be beneficial in heart failure. However, if the pulse is below 60 beats/min, taking digoxin could further slow the heart rate and potentially lead to bradycardia.
Choice B rationale
Nausea can be a side effect of digoxin and hydrochlorothiazide. If the patient develops nausea, they should notify their healthcare provider as this could indicate that the medication dose needs adjustment.
Choice C rationale
Hydrochlorothiazide can cause the body to lose potassium, so limiting dietary intake of potassium could potentially lead to hypokalemia, a condition characterized by low potassium levels in the blood.
Choice D rationale
Taking hydrochlorothiazide at bedtime could potentially lead to nocturia, which is the need to wake up at night to urinate. This could disrupt the patient’s sleep.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Skin hyperpigmentation is a common symptom of chronic venous insufficiency. This happens because blood pools in the veins and can leak into the surrounding tissue, causing a change in skin color.
Choice B rationale
Gangrene is not a typical symptom of chronic venous insufficiency. Gangrene is a serious condition that occurs when tissue dies due to a lack of blood flow.
Choice C rationale
Edema, or swelling, is a common symptom of chronic venous insufficiency, but it typically occurs in the lower legs and ankles, not above the knee.
Choice D rationale
Deep vein thrombus formation is not a typical symptom of chronic venous insufficiency. However, a history of deep vein thrombosis can increase the risk of developing chronic venous insufficiency.
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