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

Use a doppler ultrasonic stethoscope.

Notify the healthcare provider.

Apply warm blankets to both feet.

Palpate pulse points with legs dependent.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

When unable to palpate peripheral pulses, particularly the pedal pulses, using a Doppler ultrasonic stethoscope is an appropriate action to further assess circulation. The Doppler device uses sound waves to detect and amplify blood flow, allowing the nurse to locate pulses that may be difficult to palpate by traditional means. This assessment technique can provide valuable information about vascular status and potential circulation issues in the extremities.

B. Notify the healthcare provider:
Notifying the healthcare provider is not the initial action for the inability to palpate pedal pulses. The nurse should first attempt to assess the pulses using alternative methods, such as a Doppler device, before escalating the concern to the provider.

C. Apply warm blankets to both feet:
Applying warm blankets may be appropriate for clients with cold extremities due to peripheral vasoconstriction, but it does not directly address the issue of being unable to palpate pulses. Additionally, warmth alone may not improve circulation if there is an underlying vascular problem causing the absence of pulses.

D. Palpate pulse points with legs dependent:
Palpating pulse points with the legs dependent may facilitate blood flow to the lower extremities, potentially making pulses easier to palpate. However, if pulses are not palpable in the supine or seated position, it is unlikely that changing positions will significantly improve their detectability. Using a Doppler device would be a more appropriate next step in this situation.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Ecchymosis refers to the discoloration of the skin resulting from bleeding underneath, typically due to bruising. While ecchymosis can occur for various reasons, the use of oral anticoagulants increases the risk of bleeding and bruising. Therefore, the nurse should further assess the client's use of oral anticoagulants to determine if it is contributing to the observed ecchymosis.

B. Works in a day care center:
Working in a day care center may expose the client to various infectious agents, but it is not directly associated with the development of ecchymosis.

C. Recently had dental surgery:
While dental surgery can sometimes result in minor bleeding and bruising, it is less likely to cause widespread ecchymosis unless there are underlying bleeding disorders or complications.

D. Adheres to a gluten-free diet:
Adhering to a gluten-free diet is not directly related to the development of ecchymosis. However, if the client has celiac disease or another condition requiring a gluten-free diet, the nurse should explore the potential for malabsorption or nutritional deficiencies, which could indirectly contribute to bleeding tendencies.

A. Intranasal edema and swelling of turbinates. B. Eye tearing and thick yellow nasal drainage. C. Purulent secretions from eyes and nares. D. Snoring and bilateral, pale gray nodules.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Intranasal edema and swelling of turbinates:
Allergic rhinitis is characterized by inflammation of the nasal mucosa in response to allergen exposure. This inflammation leads to symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and rhinorrhea. Intranasal edema and swelling of the turbinates are common findings in allergic rhinitis due to the body's immune response to allergens.

B) Eye tearing and thick yellow nasal drainage:
Eye tearing and thick yellow nasal drainage are more indicative of a bacterial infection rather than allergic rhinitis. In allergic rhinitis, nasal discharge is typically clear and watery.

C) Purulent secretions from eyes and nares:
Purulent secretions from the eyes and nares suggest a bacterial infection rather than allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis typically presents with clear nasal discharge, while purulent secretions are more commonly associated with bacterial sinusitis or conjunctivitis.

D) Snoring and bilateral, pale gray nodules:
Snoring and bilateral, pale gray nodules are not characteristic findings of allergic rhinitis. Snoring may be associated with nasal congestion, but pale gray nodules are not typically observed in allergic rhinitis. These findings may indicate other nasal or upper airway conditions such as nasal polyps or adenoid hypertrophy.

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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