During a health screening, a patient's blood pressure is confirmed by two clinic nurses to be 220/120 mm Hg. Which of the following actions should the nurse recommend to the patient?

A. Have the patient lie in bed with a pillow under the knees: Elevation of the legs can reduce blood flow to the feet, worsening symptoms. Additionally, putting a pillow under the knees can compress arteries further, exacerbating ischemia.
B. Evaluate the distal pulses: Assessing the distal pulses is crucial for determining the severity of blood flow impairment and helps in understanding the extent of peripheral arterial disease.
C. Cover the patient with a blanket: While warmth might provide some comfort, it does not address the underlying vascular issue and is not a primary intervention for this condition.
D. Notify the physician: While it may be necessary eventually, evaluating the patient's distal pulses first will provide critical information that the nurse can report to the physician.

Correct answer: A
A. Monitoring for infection: Infection is a significant risk with external fixation devices due to the presence of pins that penetrate the skin and soft tissues. Monitoring for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, discharge, or increased pain, is crucial.
B. Monitoring circulatory status: While circulatory status is important, especially in cases of limb injury or immobilization, it is not the most immediate concern compared to the risk of infection from the external fixation device.
C. Validating proper mobility: Ensuring proper mobility is important, but it is secondary to the prevention and detection of infection. Mobility assessments can be done after confirming that there are no infections or complications.
D. Checking discomfort level: While assessing discomfort is important for pain management and comfort, it is not as critical as monitoring for infection, which can lead to severe complications if not addressed promptly.