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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Answer: D

Rationale:

A) Tenderness:

Tenderness upon palpation is not considered a normal finding. It may indicate inflammation, injury, or other underlying conditions affecting the thoracic region. Tenderness requires further investigation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

B) Crepitus:

Crepitus, which is a crackling or popping sensation felt under the skin, is not a normal finding. It can be associated with subcutaneous air or gas, often resulting from trauma or infection. Identifying crepitus prompts further evaluation to determine the underlying issue.

C) Thrill:

A thrill is a palpable vibration or sensation over the chest, typically felt over an area of turbulent blood flow, such as a heart murmur. It is not considered a normal finding in the thoracic region and usually indicates an abnormal cardiovascular condition that requires further assessment.

D) Non-tender:

A non-tender thoracic region is considered a normal finding. Absence of tenderness upon palpation indicates no immediate signs of inflammation or injury in the thoracic area, suggesting that the palpation findings are within the expected range of normal physical examination.

A. White blood cell count (WBC). B. Hematocrit. C. Glucose. D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN).

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) White blood cell count (WBC): While an elevated WBC count can indicate infection or inflammation, it is not directly related to melena. Melena, which is black, tarry stool, is usually an indication of gastrointestinal bleeding, specifically from the upper GI tract.

B) Hematocrit: Hematocrit is a measure of the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. Monitoring hematocrit is essential in the context of melena because gastrointestinal bleeding can lead to a decrease in red blood cells, causing anemia. Therefore, tracking hematocrit levels helps assess the severity of blood loss and the client's overall oxygen-carrying capacity.

C) Glucose: Blood glucose levels are not directly related to melena. Monitoring glucose is crucial for managing diabetes and other metabolic disorders but does not provide information about bleeding or anemia.

D) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): While BUN levels can increase with gastrointestinal bleeding due to the breakdown of blood proteins in the gut, it is not the primary test to monitor for the effects of bleeding. Hematocrit is more directly indicative of blood loss.

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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 completes palpation of the thoracic region on an adult client. Which finding is considered normal for this client?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse observes that a client is experiencing melena. Which serum laboratory test should the nurse monitor in response to this finding?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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