A nurse is assessing a client's peripheral circulation. In which of the following locations should the nurse palpate to assess the posterior tibial pulse? (Selectable areas, or "Hot Spots," are outlined in the artwork below. Select only the outlined area that corresponds to your answer.)
Iliac
Femoral
Popliteal
Tibial
The Correct Answer is D
A. The iliac pulse is located near the pelvis and is not used for assessing circulation in the lower extremities.
B. The femoral pulse is located in the upper thigh, not near the posterior tibial area.
C. The popliteal pulse is found at the back of the knee and is higher than the posterior tibial location.
D. The posterior tibial pulse is correctly located behind the medial malleolus on the inner side of the ankle. This location is where the posterior tibial artery is accessible and is commonly used to assess blood flow to the lower extremities.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Auscultating the area may not provide information about the dorsalis pedis pulse, which is a palpated pulse.
B. Using Doppler ultrasonography is the most appropriate next step to locate the dorsalis pedis pulse if it cannot be palpated, as it provides a non-invasive way to detect blood flow.
C. While documenting the absence of the pulse is necessary, it should be done after attempts to locate the pulse have been made.
D. It is not immediately necessary to ask a provider to assess the pulse; the nurse can use Doppler ultrasonography first to gather more information.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Restlessness is an objective sign that may indicate pain, but it is not a subjective report from the client.
B. Pupil dilation is an objective physiological response often associated with pain or stress, not a subjective indicator.
C. A report of a burning sensation is a subjective indicator because it is based on the client’s own description of their pain experience.
D. Grimacing is an objective observation by the nurse, not a subjective report from the client.