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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Instruct the client to avoid foods with gluten, such as wheat bread.
While some individuals with Crohn's disease may experience improvement by avoiding certain types of carbohydrates, including gluten, this recommendation is not universally applicable to all individuals with Crohn's disease. Gluten restriction is more relevant for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
B. Explain that the need to restrict fluids is the primary limitation.
This statement is not accurate. Fluid restriction is not a primary dietary limitation for individuals with Crohn's disease. In fact, maintaining adequate hydration is generally important for overall health. Restricting fluids is not a standard dietary recommendation for managing Crohn's disease.
C. Advise the client to limit foods that are high in calcium and iron.
Limiting foods high in calcium and iron is not a standard recommendation for Crohn's disease. In fact, adequate intake of essential nutrients, including calcium and iron, is important for overall health. Limiting these nutrients could lead to nutritional deficiencies.
D. Describe the use of an elimination diet to find trigger foods.
This is the most appropriate response. Crohn's disease symptoms can vary among individuals, and identifying trigger foods through an elimination diet can help personalize dietary recommendations. By systematically eliminating and reintroducing foods, individuals can identify which specific foods may exacerbate their symptoms.
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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