ATI Detailed Answer Key Medical Surgical Related

Review ATI Detailed Answer Key Medical Surgical related questions and content

A male client has returned to the Unit following a left femoral popliteal bypass graft. Six hours later, the client's dorsalis pedis pulse cannot be palpated and his foot is cool and dusky. The nurse should:

  • A. continue to monitor the foot.
  • B. immediately notify the physician.
  • C. notify the head nurse.
  • D. assure the client that his foot is fine.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The client is losing the blood supply to his left foot. Continuing to monitor will not restore the blood supply to the foot. The physician should be notified immediately because the client is losing the blood supply to his left foot and is in danger of losing his foot and/or his leg. It is the responsibility of the nurse caring for the client to notify the physician, not the head nurse. This would be giving the client false assurances, which is unethical, demeaning, and could have legal consequences.