An older patient with chronic atrial fibrillation develops sudden severe pain, pulselessness, pallor, and coolness in the right leg, consistent with acute arterial occlusion.

After the nurse notifies the healthcare provider, what should the nurse do next?

Choice A rationale
While calf tenderness and swelling after a plane ride could potentially indicate a deep vein thrombosis, this condition is not immediately life-threatening in most cases. The patient would need evaluation and treatment, but other patients might have more urgent needs14.
Choice B rationale
A patient taking anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation who has black stools could potentially have gastrointestinal bleeding, which would need evaluation. However, this condition might not be immediately life-threatening, and other patients might have more urgent needs14.
Choice C rationale
A patient with a gangrenous foot ulcer and a weak pedal pulse would need evaluation and treatment. However, this condition might not be immediately life-threatening, and other patients might have more urgent needs14.
Choice D rationale
A patient reporting sudden sharp and severe upper back pain could potentially have an aortic dissection, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate evaluation and treatment. Therefore, this patient should be assessed first14.

Choice A rationale
Advocating for a diet rich in saturated fats is not a recommended strategy to prevent cardiovascular disease. Saturated fats can raise the level of cholesterol in your blood and increase your risk of heart disease.
Choice B rationale
Recommending cessation of smoking is a crucial intervention to prevent cardiovascular disease. Chemicals in tobacco can damage the heart and blood vessels, leading to narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which can ultimately lead to a heart attack.
Choice C rationale
Regular blood pressure monitoring is important as high blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Controlling blood pressure helps ensure that your heart is not working harder than it should be, which can prevent damage to your heart and arteries.
Choice D rationale
Regular cholesterol screenings are essential because high levels of cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaques in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease.
Choice E rationale
Regular physical exercise helps control your weight and can reduce your chances of developing other conditions that may put a strain on your heart, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Choice F rationale
Suggesting no more than 5 alcoholic drinks a day is not a recommended strategy to prevent cardiovascular disease. In fact, it is advised to limit alcohol intake as excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, or even stroke.