The nurse is assessing a client with a presumptive diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease. The nurse obtains an Ankle-Brachial index of 0.89. Which intervention should the nurse take next?

Document the information as a normal ﬁnding

Prepare the client for an arterial bypass

Educate the client about the use of compression stocking

Anticipate a prescription for clopidogrel and simvastatin

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

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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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse should best follow up the assessment ﬁnding of an ankle-brachial index (ABI) of 0.40 in the right leg by implementing interventions relevant to arterial narrowing.

An ankle-brachial index is a non-invasive test used to assess peripheral arterial disease (PAD). An ABI value below 0.90 indicates signiﬁcant arterial narrowing and impaired blood ﬂow to the lower extremities. An ABI of 0.40 suggests severe arterial narrowing, which puts the client at risk for reduced perfusion and potential complications such as tissue ischemia, ulceration, and gangrene.

Implementing interventions relevant to arterial narrowing is crucial in this case. These interventions may include:

Collaborating with the healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan: This may involve prescribing medications to improve blood ﬂow, such as antiplatelet agents or vasodilators.
Encouraging lifestyle modiﬁcations: This can include smoking cessation, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet low in saturated fats and high in fruits and vegetables.
Promoting optimal cardiovascular health: This can involve managing other risk factors for arterial narrowing, such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels.
Educating the client about the signs and symptoms of PAD: This includes teaching them to monitor for changes in skin color, temperature, and sensation in the affected limb, as well as the importance of seeking prompt medical attention if these changes occur.

Let's review the other options:

Assessing the client's use of over-the-counter dietary supplements: While it is important to assess for potential interactions between medications and dietary supplements, this would not be the immediate follow-up action for a severely reduced ABI.

Encouraging the client to increase intake of foods high in vitamin K: While maintaining a balanced diet is important for overall health, increasing vitamin K intake is not speciﬁcally indicated for addressing arterial narrowing or improving the ABI.

Adjusting the client's activity level to accommodate decreased coronary output:

Coronary output refers to blood ﬂow to the heart muscle. Arterial narrowing in the leg does not directly affect coronary output. However, it is important to encourage appropriate physical activity for the client based on their overall cardiovascular health and exercise tolerance.

A. "I will avoid long periods of sitting down with my legs crossed over." B. "I will walk to the point of pain, rest, and walk again for at least 30 minutes." C. "I will use a heating pad on my feet at night to increase the circulation." D. "I will buy some loose clothes that do not bind across my legs or waist."

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

"I will use a heating pad on my feet at night to increase the circulation.": Using a heating pad on the feet at night is not recommended for clients with peripheral artery disease. The application of heat, such as from a heating pad, can dilate blood vessels and potentially worsen the symptoms of peripheral artery disease. This can lead to reduced blood flow to the affected limbs and increase the risk of complications.

The other client statements demonstrate an understanding of peripheral artery disease management:

"I will avoid long periods of sitting down with my legs crossed over." This statement shows awareness of the importance of maintaining good blood flow and avoiding positions that can restrict circulation.

"I will walk to the point of pain, rest, and walk again for at least 30 minutes." This statement indicates an understanding of the concept of intermittent claudication, a common symptom of peripheral artery disease. Walking until pain occurs, resting, and then resuming walking helps improve circulation and increases walking distance over time.

"I will buy some loose clothes that do not bind across my legs or waist." This statement reflects an awareness of the need to wear loose-fitting clothes that do not constrict blood flow to the legs or waist area.

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The nurse is assessing a client with a presumptive diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease. The nurse obtains an Ankle-Brachial index of 0.89. Which intervention should the nurse take next?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

While assessing a client, the nurse notes that the client's ankle-brachial index (ABI) of the right leg is 0.40. How should the nurse best follow up this assessment ﬁnding?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a client with chronic peripheral artery disease. What client statement indicates the need for further teaching?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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