To assess a client's dorsalis pedis pulse, the nurse applies firm pressure over the top of the foot between the extension tendons of the great and first toes but does not feel a pulsation. Which action should the nurse take next?
Reduce the amount of pressure being applied on the top of the foot.
Document in the nurse's notes that the dorsalis pedis pulse is not palpable.
Obtain a Doppler stethoscope to auscultate the pulse at the same site.
Palpate the site on the inner side of the ankle below the medial malleolus.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Reducing the amount of pressure may not be effective if the pulse is weak or absent; other methods may be needed to assess circulation.
Choice B reason: Documentation is important, but it should be done after all attempts to assess the pulse have been made.
Choice C reason: Using a Doppler stethoscope is a suitable next step when a pulse is not palpable, as it can detect weaker pulses not felt by palpation.
Choice D reason: Palpating the site on the inner side of the ankle below the medial malleolus assesses the posterior tibial pulse, not the dorsalis pedis pulse.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"}}
Explanation
Choice A reason: False: Hand washing should be performed not only when exiting the client's room but also before entering the room and after any direct contact with the client or potentially contaminated surfaces within the room.
Choice B reason: True : The client has been diagnosed with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which is a highly contagious virus. It can spread through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching a surface that has the virus on it. Therefore, contact and droplet precautions are necessary.
Choice C reason: True: Gowns and gloves should be worn whenever there is a potential for contact with secretions, especially when dealing with a patient who has a contagious condition like RSV. This is part of standard precautions to prevent the spread of infection.
Choice D reason: True: A mask should always be worn when in the client's room because RSV can be spread through droplets in the air. This is part of droplet precautions.
Choice E reason: True: This client would require a private room if admitted because RSV is highly contagious. Isolation in a private room is one of the strategies used to prevent the spread of the virus.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Even without mentioning the client's name, discussing health information in a public area like a breakroom can still lead to a HIPAA violation due to the possibility of revealing identifiable information indirectly.
Choice B reason: Discussing health history with a client behind a closed curtain maintains privacy and confidentiality, adhering to HIPAA regulations.
Choice C reason: Faxing health records to a client's primary healthcare provider is a common practice and is not a HIPAA violation if done securely and with proper consent.
Choice D reason: Sharing a client's discharge needs with other treatment team members is necessary for continuity of care and is not a HIPAA violation as long as it is done within the healthcare team.
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