The nurse on the intermediate care unit received change-of-shift report on four clients with hypertension. Which patient should the nurse assess ﬁrst?

A client with a blood pressure of 190/92 mm Hg who reports chest pain

A client with a blood pressure of 190/104 mm Hg who has sinus tachycardia

A client with a blood pressure of 178/90 mm Hg who has intermittent claudication

A client with a blood pressure of 172/98 mm Hg scheduled for a stress test

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

The nurse should assess the client with a blood pressure of 190/92 mm Hg who reports chest pain ﬁrst. Chest pain can be a symptom of myocardial ischemia or a heart attack, which requires immediate attention. The combination of high blood pressure and chest pain is concerning and may indicate acute coronary syndrome. Prompt assessment and intervention are crucial to evaluate the cause of the chest pain and initiate appropriate treatment.

A client with a blood pressure of 190/104 mm Hg who has sinus tachycardia: While sinus tachycardia may indicate increased heart rate, it does not necessarily require immediate assessment unless other concerning symptoms are present. However, the nurse should address the elevated blood pressure in a timely manner.

Intermittent claudication refers to leg pain or discomfort during physical activity due to reduced blood ﬂow. While it is important to assess and manage this symptom, it is not typically considered an urgent condition requiring immediate assessment compared to chest pain.

The client scheduled for a stress test may have elevated blood pressure, but if they are stable and not currently experiencing symptoms, they may not require immediate assessment compared to a client with chest pain.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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.

A. Document the information as a normal finding B. Prepare the client for an arterial bypass C. Educate the client about the use of compression stocking D. Anticipate a prescription for clopidogrel and simvastatin

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Based on the information provided, an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) of 0.89 indicates a mild reduction in blood flow to the lower extremities, suggesting peripheral arterial disease (PAD). In this case, the nurse should educate the client about the use of compression stockings.

Compression stockings are a conservative management approach for peripheral arterial disease. They help improve blood flow and alleviate symptoms by applying pressure to the legs, promoting venous return, and reducing swelling. Educating the client about the use of compression stockings can help improve circulation and manage symptoms such as pain, cramping, and fatigue.

Let's review the other options and explain why they are not the most appropriate interventions in this scenario:

Document the information as a normal finding: An ABI of 0.89 indicates an abnormal finding suggestive of peripheral arterial disease. It should not be documented as a normal finding, as it requires further assessment and intervention.

Prepare the client for an arterial bypass: An arterial bypass is a surgical intervention that is typically reserved for more severe cases of peripheral arterial disease. With an ABI of 0.89, which indicates mild reduction in blood flow, arterial bypass is not the first-line intervention. Conservative measures and medical management are usually recommended initially.

Anticipate a prescription for clopidogrel and simvastatin: Medications like clopidogrel (antiplatelet) and simvastatin (statin) may be prescribed for peripheral arterial disease. However, the next appropriate step after obtaining an ABI of 0.89 would be to educate the client about the use of compression stockings as a conservative management option before considering medication therapy.

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The nurse on the intermediate care unit received change-of-shift report on four clients with hypertension. Which patient should the nurse assess ﬁrst?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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