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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Hypertension is typically diagnosed when a person's blood pressure consistently exceeds 130/80 mm Hg on multiple occasions. However, the specific target blood pressure for treatment may vary based on individual factors and the presence of other comorbidities.

Among the options provided, a blood pressure reading of 128/76 mm Hg is within the target range for many individuals with hypertension. The systolic pressure (128 mm Hg) is below the threshold of 130 mm Hg, and the diastolic pressure (76 mm Hg) is below the threshold of 80 mm Hg.

The other blood pressure readings would warrant further evaluation or possible changes in therapy:

128/92 mm Hg: The diastolic pressure (92 mm Hg) is above the threshold of 80 mm Hg, indicating uncontrolled hypertension.

98/56 mm Hg: This blood pressure reading is below the threshold for hypertension, but it is considered low and may require further assessment to determine if it is normal for the individual or if it indicates hypotension.

142/78 mm Hg: While the systolic pressure (142 mm Hg) is slightly above the threshold of 130 mm Hg, it may not necessarily require immediate changes in therapy. However, it should be closely monitored to ensure blood pressure control.

A. Assess pulse of affected extremity every 15 minutes at ﬁrst. B. Palpate the affected leg for pain during every assessment C. Assess the client for signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome every 2 hours. D. Perform Doppler evaluation once daily.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

Assess pulse of the affected extremity every 15 minutes at ﬁrst: Frequent assessment of the pulse in the affected extremity is important to monitor for any changes in blood ﬂow. This allows the nurse to identify any potential complications such as graft occlusion or compromised circulation promptly.

Palpate the affected leg for pain during every assessment: Assessing for pain in the affected leg is crucial to identify any signs of ischemia or inadequate perfusion. Increased pain could indicate reduced blood ﬂow or other complications that require immediate attention.

Assess the client for signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome every 2 hours: Compartment syndrome can occur after vascular surgeries, and early recognition is vital. The nurse should assess for signs and symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, increased swelling, and tense compartments. Regular assessment every 2 hours can help detect compartment syndrome promptly and prevent further complications.

Perform Doppler evaluation once daily: Doppler evaluation may be ordered by the healthcare provider to assess blood ﬂow and graft patency. However, the frequency of Doppler evaluation may vary depending on the client's condition and the healthcare provider's orders. Once daily assessment is not suﬃcient if there are concerns regarding blood ﬂow or graft viability.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

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