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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: While unpleasant odor can indicate poor oral hygiene or other health issues, it is not as urgent as some other findings.

Choice B reason: White patches on the mucosa can indicate an infection such as oral thrush, which requires medical treatment, making it the most important finding to act upon.

Choice C reason: A receding gumline is a concern for dental health but does not typically require immediate action.

Choice D reason: Discoloration of teeth can indicate various issues, including dietary habits or decay, but is not as immediately concerning as white patches on the mucosa. Bolded text indicates the correct answers and important information.

A. Observe color and amount of urine. B. Determine apical pulse rate and rhythm. C. Compare muscle strength bilaterally. D. Assess strength of deep tendon reflexes.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Observing the color and amount of urine is important for assessing kidney function and hydration status but is not the most critical intervention for hypokalemia, which can have immediate life-threatening cardiac effects.

Choice B reason: Determining the apical pulse rate and rhythm is the most important intervention. Hypokalemia can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias, and the apical pulse is the most accurate non-invasive way to assess cardiac rhythm and rate.

Choice C reason: Comparing muscle strength bilaterally is important for assessing the impact of hypokalemia on muscle function, but it is not as immediately life-threatening as cardiac effects.

Choice D reason: Assessing the strength of deep tendon reflexes can help evaluate neuromuscular involvement in hypokalemia but is less critical than monitoring for cardiac arrhythmias.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

While assisting a client with oral care, the nurse assesses the client's mouth. It is most important for the nurse to take action in response to which finding?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L (2.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement? Reference Range: Potassium (K+) 3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L)

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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