The nurse has written a plan of care for a client diagnosed with peripheral arterial insufficiency. Which intervention is the most appropriate for this diagnosis?
Elevate the legs and arms above the heart when resting.
Encourage the client to engage in a moderate amount of exercise.
Encourage extended periods of sitting or standing.
Discourage walking in order to limit pain.
The Correct Answer is B
The most appropriate intervention for a client diagnosed with peripheral arterial insufficiency is: Encourage the client to engage in a moderate amount of exercise. Peripheral arterial insufficiency is a condition characterized by reduced blood flow to the extremities, typically the legs, due to narrowed or blocked arteries. Regular exercise is an important component of managing peripheral arterial insufficiency. Exercise helps improve circulation, promote collateral blood vessel development, and increase the distance a client can walk before experiencing pain (intermittent claudication). Therefore, encouraging the client to engage in a moderate amount of exercise, such as walking, under healthcare provider guidance is crucial.]
The other options are not appropriate interventions for peripheral arterial insufficiency:
Elevating the legs and arms above the heart when resting: While elevation can be beneficial for certain conditions, such as reducing swelling in venous insufficiency, it is not the primary intervention for peripheral arterial insufficiency. Elevation alone does not improve arterial blood flow and may not effectively address the underlying circulatory issues.
Encouraging extended periods of sitting or standing: Prolonged sitting or standing can further restrict blood flow and exacerbate symptoms in clients with peripheral arterial insufficiency. Encouraging regular movement and avoiding prolonged immobility is important to maintain adequate circulation.
Discouraging walking in order to limit pain: While walking may cause pain or discomfort in clients with peripheral arterial insufficiency (intermittent claudication), it is important to encourage walking as part of an exercise regimen. Walking helps improve symptoms over time and promotes overall cardiovascular health.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["D","E"]
Explanation
The traces that should require immediate follow-up by the nurse are:
● Pacer spikes occur directly before the T waves.
Pacer spikes occurring on the T waves indicate an issue with the pacemaker's timing or sensing. This could lead to inappropriate pacing or pacing during the refractory period, which can be detrimental to the client's heart function.
● The heart rate is outside of programmed parameters.
If the heart rate is outside of the programmed parameters set for the client's pacemaker, it may indicate a malfunction or failure of the device or a change in the client's cardiac status. It is important for the nurse to assess the client's condition and notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.
Let's review the other options and explain why they do not require immediate follow-up:
Pacer spikes are adequate in number: This indicates that the pacemaker is delivering the appropriate number of electrical impulses as programmed. As long as the other parameters are normal, this finding does not require immediate follow-up.
Pacer spikes occur directly before the P waves: This is the desired and expected pattern for a pacemaker in normal sinus rhythm. It indicates proper timing and coordination between the pacemaker and the client's intrinsic electrical activity.
Pacer spikes occur directly before the QRS waves: This is also the desired and expected pattern for a pacemaker in clients with ventricular pacing. It indicates proper timing and coordination between the pacemaker and the client's intrinsic electrical activity.
The heart rate is within programmed parameters: If the heart rate falls within the programmed parameters set for the client's pacemaker, it indicates that the device is functioning appropriately in maintaining the desired heart rate.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Absent bilateral pedal pulses indicate a potential vascular complication, such as impaired circulation or blood flow to the lower extremities. It may suggest compromised perfusion and could be a sign of arterial occlusion or thrombosis, which requires immediate intervention. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider promptly to assess the client's condition and initiate appropriate interventions to restore circulation to the lower extremities.
While complaints of pain at the site of the incision are significant, post-operative pain is expected after abdominal surgery. The nurse should assess the pain and provide appropriate pain management interventions, but it may not require immediate intervention unless the pain is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
A distended, tender abdomen could indicate various post-operative complications, such as bowel obstruction or peritonitis. Although it should be evaluated and reported to the healthcare provider, it may not require immediate intervention unless the client's condition deteriorates or other signs of a surgical emergency are present.
An elevated temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) alone, without other signs of infection or systemic complications, may not necessarily require immediate intervention. It could be a normal response to surgery or a mild post-operative infection. The nurse should monitor the client's temperature and assess for other signs of infection, and if necessary, report it to the healthcare provider for further evaluation.
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