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 A
Choice A rationale: Excessive pressure can occlude arterial flow, preventing detection of the dorsalis pedis pulse. Reducing pressure allows blood flow to be felt, improving accuracy of pulse assessment.
Choice B rationale: Documentation without rechecking risks inaccurate reporting. Pulses may be present but obscured by technique, so confirming with proper palpation or alternative methods is necessary before recording findings.
Choice C rationale: Doppler stethoscope is useful but should be considered after correcting palpation technique. Initial step is adjusting pressure, as improper technique commonly explains absent pulse detection.
Choice D rationale: Palpating posterior tibial pulse assesses a different artery. While useful for circulation evaluation, it does not address the immediate issue of dorsalis pedis pulse palpation technique.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The presence of soft, formed, and light brown feces is normal and does not preclude testing for occult blood. The nurse should proceed with obtaining the specimen as ordered.
Choice B reason: There is no need to contact the healthcare provider before obtaining the specimen if the stool appears normal and the test for occult blood has been ordered.
Choice C reason: Waiting for observable blood is not necessary for an occult blood test, which is designed to detect blood that is not visible to the naked eye.
Choice D reason: Withholding specimen collection until tarry black stool is observed is not indicated. Tarry black stool can indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, but the test for occult blood is used to detect blood that may not be visible in the stool. Bolded text indicates the correct answers and important information.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, but it is not directly associated with obstructive sleep apnea.
Choice B reason: Peptic ulcer disease is not commonly linked to obstructive sleep apnea.
Choice C reason: Hypertension is a known complication of obstructive sleep apnea due to the recurrent episodes of low oxygen levels during sleep, which can lead to increased blood pressure.
Choice D reason: Hypothyroidism is a condition affecting the thyroid gland and is not typically a complication of obstructive sleep apnea.
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