The nurse is taking health history for a client who reports pain in his lower left leg and foot when walking. The pain is relieved with rest, and the nurse observes the left leg is hairless and slightly edematous. The nurse recognizes this as which medical diagnosis or health problem?
Coronary artery disease (CAD)
Arterial embolus
Raynaud disease
Intermittent claudication
The Correct Answer is D
A. Coronary artery disease (CAD):
Coronary artery disease primarily affects the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle. Symptoms often include chest pain (angina) rather than pain in the lower extremities. The symptoms described in the scenario are not characteristic of CAD.
B. Arterial embolus:
An arterial embolus is a blood clot or debris that travels through the bloodstream and can block an artery. While it can cause decreased blood flow and pain, the presentation in the lower left leg and foot with relief of pain at rest is more suggestive of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or intermittent claudication rather than an acute arterial embolus.
C. Raynaud disease:
Raynaud's disease is characterized by episodes of reduced blood flow to the extremities, usually triggered by cold or stress. It typically involves color changes (white, blue, red) in the fingers or toes. The symptoms described, including pain in the lower leg and foot during walking, are not typical of Raynaud's disease.
D. Intermittent claudication:
Intermittent claudication is a symptom associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). It involves pain or cramping in the legs during physical activity, such as walking, due to reduced blood flow to the muscles. Rest typically relieves the pain. The observation of a hairless leg and slight edema suggests potential vascular compromise in the lower extremity, supporting the diagnosis of intermittent claudication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Monitor daily weights and urine output.
Monitoring daily weights and urine output is an important aspect of managing heart failure or other cardiac conditions. However, in the context of a client with chest pain, ST elevation, and elevated cardiac enzymes (indicating a myocardial infarction), the immediate focus is on addressing the acute event and reducing myocardial oxygen demand.
B. Administer TPA to prevent further damage as a result of a clot.
Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) is a thrombolytic medication that can be administered to dissolve blood clots in the coronary arteries during a myocardial infarction. However, the administration of TPA has a specific timeframe within which it is most effective. It is crucial to know the elapsed time since the onset of symptoms, and there are specific criteria and contraindications for its use.
C. Provide client education on medications and diet to prevent recurrence.
Client education on medications, lifestyle modifications, and dietary changes is an essential component of long-term management for preventing recurrence of cardiovascular events. However, during the acute phase of a myocardial infarction, the immediate priority is to stabilize the client and address the acute event, with education being a secondary consideration.
D. Reduce pain and myocardial oxygen demand.
During the acute phase of a myocardial infarction, reducing pain and myocardial oxygen demand is the highest priority. This is typically achieved through the administration of medications such as nitroglycerin for vasodilation and opioids for pain relief. Other interventions to optimize oxygen supply and demand, such as supplemental oxygen and reperfusion strategies, may also be considered.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. “I will have canned chicken noodle soup with crackers and an apple for lunch.”
This option may not be the best choice for a low-sodium diet. Canned soups often contain high levels of sodium.
B. “I will have a tossed salad with cheese and croutons for lunch.”
This option is a better choice, as salads with fresh vegetables can be lower in sodium compared to other options.
C. “I will have a ham and cheese sandwich for lunch.”
Ham and cheese are generally high in sodium, so this would not be a suitable choice for a low-sodium diet.
D. “I will have a baked potato with broiled chicken for dinner.”
This option seems to be a good choice. Baked potato and broiled chicken can be part of a low-sodium meal.
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