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.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The client statement that supports the information of intermittent claudication is: "My legs get a painful cramp when I walk over 30 minutes.": Intermittent claudication is a symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD) characterized by pain, cramping, or fatigue in the muscles of the lower extremities, typically the calves, thighs, or buttocks. This pain is usually triggered by physical activity, such as walking, and is relieved with rest. The pain is caused by inadequate blood flow and oxygen supply to the muscles due to narrowed or blocked arteries.
The other client statements do not specifically indicate intermittent claudication:
"My feet feel like I have pins and needles": This sensation of pins and needles is often associated with peripheral neuropathy, which is a condition involving nerve damage and does not directly relate to intermittent claudication.
"When I stand or sit too long, my feet swell": This statement suggests the possibility of venous insufficiency rather than intermittent claudication. Venous insufficiency involves impaired blood return from the legs to the heart and may result in swelling, aching, or heaviness in the legs.
"I get short of breath when I climb a lot of stairs": This symptom is more indicative of cardiovascular or respiratory issues, such as heart or lung disease, rather than intermittent claudication. It suggests that the client may experience exercise intolerance due to cardiopulmonary limitations.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
An ABI of 0.89 indicates a reduced blood flow to the lower extremities, which is suggestive of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). In PAD, there is narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet. Medications like clopidogrel and simvastatin are commonly prescribed for individuals with PAD to manage the condition and reduce the risk of complications.
Here's an explanation of why the other options are not the most appropriate interventions:
Document the information as a normal finding: An ABI of 0.89 is not considered a normal finding. An ABI value below 0.9 is generally indicative of PAD or reduced blood flow to the lower extremities.
Prepare the client for an arterial bypass: An ABI value of 0.89 alone does not warrant immediate preparation for an arterial bypass. Arterial bypass surgery is typically considered for severe cases of PAD with significant symptoms that significantly impact the client's quality of life and other conservative treatments have not been successful.
Educate the client about the use of compression stockings: While compression stockings may be a part of the overall management of PAD, the ABI result alone does not indicate an immediate need for education about compression stockings. Other interventions, such as medication management, lifestyle modifications, and possibly revascularization procedures, may be more appropriate based on the severity of the PAD.
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