The nurse is caring for a client immediately after repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. On assessment, the client has absent popliteal, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedis pulses. The leg cool and mottled. Which action should the nurse take first?
Wrap both legs in a warming blanket
Compare findings to the preoperative assessment of the pulses
Document the findings and recheck in 15 minutes.
Notify the surgeon and anesthesiologist
The Correct Answer is D
The nurse should prioritize notifying the surgeon and anesthesiologist as the first action. The absent pulses, coolness, and mottled appearance of the leg indicate potential compromised blood flow to the lower extremity, which could be a sign of vascular compromise or acute limb ischemia. These findings are concerning after the repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm and require immediate medical attention.
Wrap both legs in a warming blanket: While it is important to maintain the client's body temperature, this action alone may not address the underlying issue of compromised blood flow and potential limb ischemia. Notifying the surgeon and anesthesiologist is the priority to address the immediate concern.
Compare findings to the preoperative assessment of the pulses: While comparing findings to the preoperative assessment is important for evaluating the client's condition, it should not delay immediate action. The priority in this situation is to promptly notify the surgeon and anesthesiologist to address the potential vascular compromise.
Document the findings and recheck in 15 minutes: Documenting the findings is an important step in the nursing process, but it should not take precedence over immediate intervention. The concerning signs of absent pulses, coolness, and mottled appearance require urgent attention, and delaying notification could lead to further complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Maintaining a 2 gram-sodium (salt) diet is an important aspect of managing hypertension. High sodium intake can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Therefore, reducing sodium intake is recommended to help control blood pressure levels. The nurse should provide guidance on reading food labels, avoiding high-sodium processed foods, and incorporating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
The other options listed are not appropriate or beneficial for managing hypertension:
Maintaining a low-potassium diet: Potassium is an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. While specific potassium restrictions may be necessary for some individuals with certain medical conditions, most people with hypertension do not need to limit their potassium intake. In fact, a balanced diet with adequate potassium is generally recommended.
Skipping a medication dose if dizziness occurs: It is not advisable to skip medication doses without consulting a healthcare provider. Hypertension medications are prescribed to help control blood pressure, and missing doses can lead to uncontrolled hypertension and potential complications. If the client experiences dizziness or other side effects from the medication, they should consult their healthcare provider for appropriate management.
Drinking three glasses of wine a day: Excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to elevated blood pressure. The recommended alcohol intake for individuals with hypertension is moderate or limited to moderate levels, which typically means no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. Drinking excessive amounts of wine or any alcoholic beverage can negatively affect blood pressure control.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
While it is generally recommended to avoid close or prolonged exposure to strong magnetic fields, such as those generated by MRI machines, placing items that generate magnetic fields over the pacemaker/ICD, such as cell phones or certain medical devices, does not typically pose a risk. Therefore, it would be important for the nurse to clarify the client's understanding and provide accurate information about the precautions related to magnetic fields.
The other statements made by the client are generally correct and align with the typical recommendations for individuals with pacemakers/ICDs:
Avoiding contact sports or lifting heavy objects for a specified period of time after pacemaker/ICD insertion is usually advised to allow for proper healing and to reduce the risk of lead dislodgment or damage to the device.
Informing dentists and healthcare providers about the presence of a pacemaker/ICD is important so that they can take appropriate precautions during procedures or treatments that may involve electromagnetic interference or interfere with the device's functioning.
While it is generally advised to avoid close proximity to strong magnetic fields, such as those in airports or certain household appliances, it does not necessarily mean completely avoiding them. The nurse can clarify the specific recommendations regarding metal detectors at airports and the safe use of household appliances.
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