Four days following an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, the client is exhibiting edema of both lower extremities, and pedal pulses are not palpable. Which action should the nurse implement first?

Elevate extremities on pillows.

Evaluate edema for pitting.

Wrap the feet with warmed blankets.

Assess pulses with a vascular Doppler

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Elevate extremities on pillows:
While elevation can be beneficial for reducing dependent edema, the priority is to assess the pulses first to determine the adequacy of peripheral perfusion.

B. Evaluate edema for pitting:
Assessing edema for pitting is important for gathering additional information, but it is not the initial action in this scenario. Assessing pulses is more critical to evaluate perfusion.

C. Wrap the feet with warmed blankets:
Warming the feet with blankets may be appropriate in some situations, but it is not the priority when the client is exhibiting edema and non-palpable pedal pulses. The primary concern is assessing perfusion.

D. Assess pulses with a vascular Doppler:
This is the correct action. The non-palpable pedal pulses are concerning and require immediate assessment to determine the status of peripheral perfusion. Using a vascular Doppler will help the nurse assess the presence or absence of blood flow in the lower extremities.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Increased temperature to the lower extremity:
While increased temperature could indicate inflammation or infection, it is not as immediately concerning as impaired circulation.

B. Right foot pale with sluggish capillary refill.
This finding suggests a potential impairment in blood flow to the right foot, which could be due to complications such as compartment syndrome or impaired circulation. Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that occurs when there is increased pressure within a muscle compartment, leading to reduced blood flow. Pale color and sluggish capillary refill indicate compromised circulation and require prompt intervention to prevent further damage.

C. Circumferential edema of the right foot:
Edema is a common finding after a fracture and cast application. However, in the context of pale color and sluggish capillary refill, it may indicate increased pressure within the compartment, requiring immediate attention.

D. Complaint of throbbing right leg pain:
Pain is a common complaint after a fracture, and throbbing pain may be expected. However, the priority is to address the potential compromise in circulation indicated by the pale color and sluggish capillary refill.

A. Platelet count 40,000 x10/μL (40.000 x109/L). B. White blood cells 9,000/μL (9x109/L) C. Hematocrit 38% (0.38). D. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL (120 g/L).

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Platelet count 40,000 x10/μL (40.000 x109/L):
This is the correct answer. A platelet count of 40,000 x10/μL is significantly below the normal range (usually around 150,000 to 450,000/μL). Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) can increase the risk of bleeding during and after a surgical procedure. The healthcare provider should be alerted to assess the risk and determine the appropriate management.

B. White blood cells 9,000/μL (9x109/L):
The white blood cell count is within the normal range, and it is not a significant concern for a vertebroplasty procedure.

C. Hematocrit 38% (0.38):
The hematocrit level is within the normal range and is not a significant concern for a vertebroplasty procedure.

D. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL (120 g/L):
The hemoglobin level is within the normal range and is not a significant concern for a vertebroplasty procedure.

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Four days following an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, the client is exhibiting edema of both lower extremities, and pedal pulses are not palpable. Which action should the nurse implement first?

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