The nurse is assessing a client who was admitted yesterday with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and an ulcer on the lateral malleolus. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?
Pain in lower legs when walking.
Black eschar over ankle ulcer.
Absent pedal pulses by Doppler.
Dependent rubor of lower extremities.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Pain in the lower legs when walking, also known as intermittent claudication, is a common symptom of PAD but does not indicate an immediate threat to limb viability.
Choice B reason: Black eschar over the ankle ulcer indicates necrotic tissue, which is concerning but not as immediately critical as absent pulses. It does need to be monitored and treated to prevent infection and further complications.
Choice C reason: Absent pedal pulses by Doppler indicate a significant reduction in blood flow to the lower extremities, which can lead to critical limb ischemia and requires immediate intervention to restore perfusion and prevent tissue loss.
Choice D reason: Dependent rubor (redness when the leg is in a dependent position) is a sign of poor arterial circulation but does not require as urgent intervention as absent pedal pulses.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Alopecia, or hair loss, is a common symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus but does not require immediate follow-up. It is not life-threatening and can be managed as part of the overall treatment plan.
Choice B reason: Haematuria, or blood in the urine, requires immediate follow-up because it can indicate serious renal involvement or a possible flare-up of lupus nephritis. Kidney complications in lupus can lead to severe outcomes if not addressed promptly.
Choice C reason: Fatigue is a common symptom of lupus and while it can significantly impact the client's quality of life, it does not usually require urgent intervention. It is managed through ongoing treatment and lifestyle adjustments.
Choice D reason: Joint pain is another common symptom of lupus. Although it can be debilitating, it is not an emergency and can be managed through standard treatments for lupus.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Occult positive emesis, which indicates the presence of blood in vomit, is a critical finding. It suggests potential gastrointestinal bleeding, which requires immediate medical intervention. This condition can lead to significant blood loss and further complications if not addressed promptly.
Choice B reason: Strong foul-smelling flatus can indicate malabsorption or changes in gut flora, which are common after biliopancreatic diversion. While it can be unpleasant and concerning, it is not as immediately dangerous as gastrointestinal bleeding.
Choice C reason: A report of poor night vision could be related to vitamin A deficiency, which can occur after malabsorptive procedures like BPD. However, it is not an immediate threat compared to the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Choice D reason: Loose bowel movements are common after BPD due to changes in digestion and absorption. While they can contribute to dehydration, they are not as urgent as the presence of blood in vomit.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
