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 B

Explanation

Answer: B. Wandering behavior with flat affect.

Rationale:

A. Ambulatory and disoriented to place:
This documentation suggests that the client is physically able to walk but does not adequately capture the behavioral aspect of the observation. While the client may be ambulatory, merely stating disorientation does not convey the lack of engagement or emotional response, which is crucial in understanding the client's mental state and overall condition.

B. Wandering behavior with flat affect:
This option accurately reflects the observed behavior of the client. "Wandering behavior" captures the aimless walking, while "flat affect" describes the lack of emotional expression indicated by the blank stare. This documentation provides a clearer picture of the client's mental status, which is vital for further assessment and intervention.

C. Appears confused and depressed:
While confusion may be a relevant aspect of the client's condition, this statement lacks specificity regarding the observed behaviors. Depression cannot be accurately concluded from the blank expression alone, as it may not reflect sadness or mood but rather a cognitive or perceptual issue. More objective descriptors would enhance the clarity of the documentation.

D. Demonstrates signs of early dementia:
This option makes a definitive statement about the possibility of early dementia without sufficient evidence from the observation. While aimless walking and a blank expression can be associated with cognitive decline, diagnosing dementia requires comprehensive assessment and evaluation beyond a single observation. This phrasing could mislead healthcare providers regarding the client’s condition and may lead to premature conclusions about the client’s cognitive health.

A. Number of blood clots expelled with each stool. B. Evidence of internal hemorrhoids. C. Unique odor noted with gastrointestinal bleeding. D. Color characteristics of each stool.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Number of blood clots expelled with each stool:
While the number of blood clots expelled with each stool may be relevant in assessing the severity of bleeding, it does not provide as much information about the potential underlying causes of bleeding as documenting the color characteristics of the stool does. Therefore, although it may be noted, it is not the most crucial aspect to document initially.

B. Evidence of internal hemorrhoids:
Documenting evidence of internal hemorrhoids is important in assessing rectal bleeding, but it is not as fundamental as documenting the color characteristics of the stool. Internal hemorrhoids can be one potential cause of rectal bleeding, but other more serious conditions may also cause bleeding, so a comprehensive assessment of the stool is necessary.

C. Unique odor noted with gastrointestinal bleeding:
While gastrointestinal bleeding may have a distinct odor, documenting this alone does not provide as much diagnostic information as describing the color characteristics of the stool. Documenting odor may be important in some cases, but it is not as critical as documenting the color of the stool, which can help identify potential causes of bleeding.

D. Color characteristics of each stool:
When evaluating rectal bleeding, documenting the color characteristics of each stool is crucial. Different colors of stool can indicate various underlying causes of bleeding. Bright red blood typically suggests lower gastrointestinal bleeding, while darker, tarry stools (melena) may indicate bleeding higher in the gastrointestinal tract. Describing the color, consistency, and presence of any abnormal substances in the stool helps healthcare providers assess the severity and potential causes of the bleeding.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse observes an older adult client walking aimlessly in the hallway and staring straight ahead with a blank expression. How should the nurse enter documentation of this finding in the client's electronic medical record (EMR)?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Rationale:

When evaluating a client's rectal bleeding, which findings should the nurse document?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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