The nurse is providing care for a client who has just been diagnosed with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD). What assessment finding is most consistent with this diagnosis?

Choice A reason: Increased circulation of the calf is not a sign or symptom of DVT, but a normal finding of the blood flow in the leg. It can be assessed by palpating the pulses, checking the capillary refill, or observing the skin color and temperature.

Choice B reason: Pale-appearing calf is not a sign or symptom of DVT, but a sign of arterial insufficiency or ischemia. It indicates the reduced blood supply and oxygen delivery to the tissues, which can cause pain, numbness, or coldness of the leg.

Choice C reason: Increased warmth in the calf is not a specific sign or symptom of DVT, but a possible sign of inflammation or infection. It may be accompanied by redness, swelling, or fever, which can indicate a local or systemic inflammatory response.

Choice D reason: Loss of sensation to the calf is not a sign or symptom of DVT, but a sign of nerve damage or compression. It may be caused by trauma, injury, diabetes, or other conditions that affect the peripheral nervous system.

Choice E reason: Swelling and tenderness of the calf is a common sign or symptom of DVT, as it indicates the presence of a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. It may also cause pain, cramping, or heaviness of the leg, which can worsen with movement or standing.

Choice A reason: Administering pain medication as ordered is not the best action, as it does not address the cause of the new onset of pain. The nurse should first assess the client and the surgical site to rule out any complications or problems that may require immediate intervention.

Choice B reason: Assessing the client for signs and symptoms of systemic infection is not the best action, as it is not the most likely cause of the new onset of pain. Systemic infection would manifest with fever, chills, malaise, or leukocytosis, which are not mentioned in the scenario. The nurse should focus on the local signs and symptoms of the surgical site and the affected extremity.

Choice C reason: Assessing the surgical site and the affected extremity is the best action, as it allows the nurse to identify any potential complications or problems that may explain the new onset of pain. The nurse should look for signs of infection, inflammation, bleeding, hematoma, or dislocation of the hip prosthesis, such as redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, bruising, or deformity.

Choice D reason: Reassuring the client that pain is a direct result of increased activity is not the best action, as it may dismiss the client's concern and delay the detection of any serious complications or problems. The nurse should not assume that the pain is normal or expected, but rather investigate the cause and severity of the pain.

Choice E reason: Notifying the surgeon immediately is not the best action, as it is premature and unnecessary without first assessing the client and the surgical site. The nurse should gather relevant data and information before contacting the surgeon, unless there is an obvious or urgent problem that requires immediate attention.