A nurse is assessing client with advanced peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Which of the following findings would the nurse expect?
Shiny, hairless lower extremities.
Warm lower extremities.
Thin toenails.
Lower extremity bilateral pulse 3+
The Correct Answer is A
A) Shiny, hairless lower extremities: In advanced peripheral arterial disease (PAD), the skin on the lower extremities often appears shiny and hairless due to reduced blood flow. The lack of hair growth and the shiny appearance are indicative of ischemia and poor circulation, making this a common finding in clients with advanced PAD.
B) Warm lower extremities: This finding is not typical in advanced PAD. Due to compromised blood flow, the lower extremities are more likely to feel cool or cold to the touch rather than warm. Warm skin can indicate good blood flow, which is usually absent in cases of significant arterial disease.
C) Thin toenails: In advanced PAD, toenails may become thin and brittle due to insufficient blood supply, which can lead to impaired nail growth. This change is consistent with the overall effects of reduced circulation and is an expected finding in clients with advanced PAD.
D) Lower extremity bilateral pulse 3+: A 3+ pulse indicates a strong and bounding pulse, which is not typically present in advanced PAD. In fact, patients with PAD often exhibit diminished or absent pulses in the affected extremities due to poor arterial circulation. Therefore, this finding does not align with the expected assessment results for advanced PAD.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Ambulating soon after surgery: Early ambulation is encouraged for postoperative clients to promote circulation and reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Mobilizing helps prevent stasis of blood in the veins, making this an appropriate action rather than an unsafe one.
B) Flexing her ankles: Ankle flexion exercises can help improve venous return and circulation in the lower extremities. This action is generally recommended to prevent VTE, making it a safe and beneficial practice for postoperative clients.
C) Massaging her legs: Massaging the legs is considered unsafe for a client at risk for VTE. This action can dislodge a thrombus (blood clot) if one is present, leading to potential complications such as pulmonary embolism. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to avoid leg massages.
D) Elevating her feet: Elevating the feet is a recommended practice to promote venous return and reduce swelling in postoperative clients. This action can help prevent VTE and is generally considered safe and beneficial.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Ventricular tachycardia: Ventricular tachycardia is characterized by a rapid heart rate exceeding 100 bpm, typically arising from abnormal ventricular activity. In this case, the heart rate is 59 bpm, which does not support this interpretation. Additionally, ventricular tachycardia usually presents with wide QRS complexes and no discernible P waves, neither of which is true in this scenario.
B) Sinus tachycardia: Sinus tachycardia is defined by a heart rate exceeding 100 bpm originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, with a regular rhythm and normal P waves. The heart rate of 59 bpm in this client is too low for a diagnosis of sinus tachycardia, making this option incorrect.
C) Sinus bradycardia: Sinus bradycardia occurs when the heart rate is less than 60 bpm, with a regular rhythm and a normal PR interval and QRS duration. The provided data shows a heart rate of 59 bpm, a regular rhythm, one P wave for every QRS complex, a PR interval of 0.20 seconds, and a QRS duration of 0.10 seconds, which aligns perfectly with the criteria for sinus bradycardia.
D) Normal sinus rhythm: Normal sinus rhythm typically presents with a heart rate of 60-100 bpm, a regular rhythm, and appropriate P waves for each QRS complex. Given the heart rate of 59 bpm, this does not meet the criteria for normal sinus rhythm, as it falls below the acceptable range.