The nurse is reviewing the medical records of a client with atrial fibrillation. Which prescription should the nurse question?

Absent bilateral pedal pulses indicate a potential vascular complication, such as impaired circulation or blood flow to the lower extremities. It may suggest compromised perfusion and could be a sign of arterial occlusion or thrombosis, which requires immediate intervention. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider promptly to assess the client's condition and initiate appropriate interventions to restore circulation to the lower extremities.

While complaints of pain at the site of the incision are significant, post-operative pain is expected after abdominal surgery. The nurse should assess the pain and provide appropriate pain management interventions, but it may not require immediate intervention unless the pain is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

A distended, tender abdomen could indicate various post-operative complications, such as bowel obstruction or peritonitis. Although it should be evaluated and reported to the healthcare provider, it may not require immediate intervention unless the client's condition deteriorates or other signs of a surgical emergency are present.

An elevated temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) alone, without other signs of infection or systemic complications, may not necessarily require immediate intervention. It could be a normal response to surgery or a mild post-operative infection. The nurse should monitor the client's temperature and assess for other signs of infection, and if necessary, report it to the healthcare provider for further evaluation.

A bruit is a sound that can be heard with a stethoscope when blood flows through a narrowed or damaged artery. An abdominal bruit may indicate an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), which is a bulge or swelling in the main blood vessel that runs from the heart down through the chest and tummy.

Shortness of breath is a common symptom of many conditions, but it is not specific to AAA. It can be caused by heart or lung problems, anemia, anxiety, lack of exercise, obesity, and many other factors. Shortness of breath may occur with a ruptured AAA, but it is not a reliable sign of an intact AAA.

Ripping abdominal pain is a severe and sudden pain that may indicate a ruptured AAA, which is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention. However, an intact AAA usually does not cause any pain or discomfort. Therefore, ripping abdominal pain is not a good indicator of an AAA diagnosis.

Decreased urinary output is a sign of reduced kidney function, which can have many causes such as dehydration, kidney failure, urinary tract obstruction, or medication side effects. Decreased urinary output is not directly related to AAA, although it may occur as a complication of a ruptured AAA or surgery to repair an AAA.