Nokea
The nurse is assessing the client who underwent repair of an aortic aneurysm with graft placement 30 minutes ago. The nurse is unable to palpate the posterior tibial pulse of one leg that was palpable 15 minutes earlier. What should be the nurse’s priority?
- A. Recheck the pulse in 5 minutes.
- B. Reposition the affected leg.
- C. Notify the surgeon of the finding.
- D. Document that the pulse is absent.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should notify the surgeon immediately to reassess the client. The loss of the pulse could signify graft occlusion or embolization. Rechecking, repositioning, or documenting delays critical intervention.
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The nurse is completing a home visit with the client who has an arterial ulcer secondary to PAD. Which statement by the client warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. “I soak my feet daily to warm them and keep them soft.”
- B. “I cover the sore on my foot with sterile gauze to protect it.”
- C. “I use a pillow under my calves to keep my heels off the bed.”
- D. “I lubricate my feet daily to prevent them from cracking.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should immediately intervene when the client states soaking feet daily; foot soaks when the client has PAD can cause maceration (tissue breakdown). Covering with gauze, using a pillow, and lubricating are appropriate actions.
The nurse collects the following assessment data on the client who has no known health problems: BP 135/89 mm Hg; BMI 23; waist circumference 34 inches; serum creatinine 0.9 mg/dL; serum potassium 4.0 mEq/L; LDL cholesterol 200 mg/dL; HDL cholesterol 25 mg/dL; and triglycerides 180 mg/dL. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate?
- A. A low-calorie regular diet
- B. A statin antilipidemic medication
- C. A thiazide diuretic medication
- D. Low-salt, low-saturated-fat, low-potassium diet
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A statin antilipidemic should be prescribed to manage the client’s hypercholesterolemia. It will lower the LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and increase the HDL cholesterol. A low-calorie diet is unnecessary with a normal BMI, a diuretic is not indicated for slightly elevated BP, and a low-potassium diet is not needed with normal potassium levels.
The nurse is discussing healthy lifestyle practices with the client who has chronic venous insufficiency. Which practices should be emphasized with this client? Select all that apply.
- A. Avoid eating an excess of dark green vegetables.
- B. Take rests and elevate the legs while sitting.
- C. Wear graduated compression stockings, removing them at night.
- D. Increase standing time and shift weight when upright.
- E. Sleep with legs elevated above the level of the heart.
Correct Answer: B;C;E
Rationale: The nurse should emphasize: B) Elevating legs when sitting to promote venous return; C) Wearing compression stockings to reduce edema; E) Sleeping with legs elevated to enhance venous return. Avoiding dark green vegetables is relevant only with anticoagulants, and prolonged standing should be avoided.
The client’s BP is being taken at a screening clinic. Which client statement to the nurse demonstrates awareness of having a risk factor for hypertension?
- A. “My doctor told me my body mass index is 23 and my blood pressure is 118/70.”
- B. “I usually have a glass of wine to unwind when I come home from work.”
- C. “I plan to get my blood pressure checked more often, as I am African American.”
- D. “I have colds during the winter, so I plan to get the influenza vaccine every year.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Being African American is a known risk factor for hypertension. Starting to have the BP taken more often demonstrates awareness of having a risk factor for hypertension. A BMI of 23 is normal, excessive alcohol intake increases risk but one glass is not excessive, and colds or flu vaccines do not directly relate to hypertension risk.
The client, who is a 15-pack-year cigarette smoker, has painful fingers and toes and is diagnosed with Buerger’s disease (thromboangiitis obliterans). Which measure to prevent disease progression should be the nurse’s initial focus when teaching the client?
- A. Avoid exposure to cold temperatures
- B. Maintain meticulous hygiene
- C. Abstain from all tobacco products
- D. Follow a low-saturated-fat diet
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Buerger’s disease is an uncommon vascular occlusive disease that affects the medial and small arteries and veins, initially in the distal limbs. It is strongly associated with tobacco use, which causes vasoconstriction. The most important action to communicate to the client is that he must abstain from tobacco in all forms to prevent progression of the disease.