While completing an admission assessment, the nurse is unable to palpate the client's left dorsalis pedis (DP) pulse. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

Use a doppler to assess an audible DP pulse.

Place a mark where DP pulse is auscultated.

Review client's history for vascular disease.

Assess capillary refill distal to the DP pulse.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) Use a doppler to assess an audible DP pulse:
Using a doppler to assess an audible DP pulse may provide additional information about the presence or absence of the pulse, but it does not address the underlying cause of the absent pulse. It is important to first investigate potential causes, such as vascular disease, before resorting to additional assessment techniques.

B) Place a mark where DP pulse is auscultated:
Marking the location where the DP pulse is auscultated may assist with future assessments but does not address the underlying reason for the absent pulse. It is essential to determine the cause of the absent pulse before considering further interventions.

C) Review client's history for vascular disease:
Reviewing the client's history for vascular disease is the most important intervention in this scenario. Absence of a DP pulse may indicate peripheral vascular disease or other circulatory issues. Reviewing the client's history for risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking, or previous vascular problems can provide valuable information to guide further assessment and management.

D) Assess capillary refill distal to the DP pulse:
Assessing capillary refill distal to the DP pulse is important for evaluating peripheral perfusion but may not directly address the underlying cause of the absent pulse. While assessing capillary refill is a valuable assessment, reviewing the client's history for vascular disease takes precedence in determining the cause of the absent DP pulse.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Normal mental status for age: This response would suggest that the client's cognitive functions are appropriate for her age and educational background, which is not the case here. The response to the proverb "Glass Houses" indicates a lack of understanding or incorrect interpretation, which is not consistent with normal mental status.

B) Impaired memory: Impaired memory would typically manifest as difficulty recalling past events, recent information, or specific details. The client's response to the proverb does not indicate a memory problem but rather a difficulty in interpreting abstract concepts.

C) Impaired concentration: Impaired concentration would usually be indicated by the client's inability to focus on the conversation, becoming easily distracted, or having trouble maintaining attention. The client’s response to the proverb suggests more of a cognitive processing issue rather than an attention issue.

D) Impaired thinking: This is the most accurate conclusion. The client's response to the proverb "Glass Houses" ("It will break the windows") suggests difficulty with abstract thinking and interpreting common proverbs. Proverbs are often used to assess abstract thinking and reasoning abilities. A correct response would typically relate to the proverb's intended meaning about hypocrisy or not criticizing others when you have faults yourself, indicating that the client might have issues with abstract reasoning and impaired thinking.

A. been sleeping well?" B. been depressed lately?" C. had anything to eat in the last 24 hours?" D. ever had problems with your blood sugar?" E. None F. None

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Answer: A. "Have you been sleeping well?"

Rationale:

A) "Have you been sleeping well?": Sleep deprivation can lead to symptoms such as an expressionless facial affect, slurred speech, and red conjunctivae. Assessing for sleep patterns is a priority to rule out this common and reversible cause of the client's symptoms. Sleep deprivation can also exacerbate other underlying conditions.

B) "Have you been depressed lately?": While depression could explain the expressionless affect, it does not typically cause slurred speech or red conjunctivae. Depression can be assessed later if other immediate causes are ruled out.

C) "Have you had anything to eat in the last 24 hours?": Poor nutritional intake could contribute to fatigue or weakness but is less likely to cause all the observed symptoms (expressionless affect, slurred speech, and red conjunctivae). This question is important but not the first priority.

D) "Have you ever had problems with your blood sugar?": Blood sugar imbalances, particularly hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, can cause neurological changes. However, the symptoms described are less specific to blood sugar issues and more indicative of sleep or neurological concerns, making this question less immediately relevant.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

While completing an admission assessment, the nurse is unable to palpate the client's left dorsalis pedis (DP) pulse. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse asks a female client about the proverb "Glass Houses," and she replies, "It will break the windows." Which conclusion should be documented about this client's response?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is performing an initial assessment of a client who has an expressionless facial affect, slurred speech, and red conjunctivae. Which question should the nurse ask first? "Have you..."

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

While auscultating a client's breath sounds, the nurse hears vesicular sounds in the bases of both lungs posteriorly. Which action should the nurse take in response to this finding?

The nurse is performing an admission assessment for a client with pyelonephritis who has urgency and burning while urinating. Which finding indicates an expected response when the nurse percusses the costovertebral angle?

The nurse observes the presence of brittle, concave curves to the nails of a client on assessment. Which information should the nurse obtain from the client that may explain the appearance of the nails?

While percussing the borders of the heart, the nurse picks up an area of dullness beginning at the 5th left intercostal space and moving upward to the 2nd left intercostal space at the sternal border. What do these findings indicate?

While performing a physical assessment, the nurse is unable to palpate the client's pedal pulses. Which action should the nurse take?

The nurse should anticipate difficulty locating the point of maximal impulse (PMI) in which client? Reference Range: Body mass index (BMI) Normal or healthy weight (18.5 kg/m2 to 24.9 kg/m2)]

A client who is admitted for an acute stroke reports the onset of a burning sensation in the hands and legs. Which action should the nurse implement to identify additional findings that are consistent with the client's paresthesia?

The nurse applies pressure over an area of the lower abdomen where the client reports pain. The client denies pain upon palpation, but reports pain when the pressure is released. Which action should the nurse implement?