The nurse is assessing a 48-year-old client with a history of smoking during a
routine clinic visit. The client, who exercises regularly, reports having
... [Show More] pain in the calf
during exercise that disappears at rest. Which of the following findings requires further
evaluation?
1. Heart rate 57 bpm.
2. SpO2 of 94% on room air.
3. Blood pressure 134/82.
4. Ankle-brachial index of 0.65.
4
An Ankle-Brachial Index of 0.65 suggests moderate arterial vascular disease in
a client who is experiencing intermittent claudication. A Doppler ultrasound is
indicated for further evaluation. The bradycardic heart rate is acceptable in an athletic
client with a normal blood pressure. The SpO2 is acceptable; the client has a smoking
history.
An overweight client taking warfarin (Coumadin) has dry skin due to decreased
arterial blood flow. What should the nurse instruct the client to do? Select all that apply.
1. Apply lanolin or petroleum jelly to intact skin.
2. Follow a reduced-calorie, reduced-fat diet.
3. Inspect the involved areas daily for new ulcerations.
4. Instruct the client to limit activities of daily living (ADLs).
5.Use an electric razor to shave
1,2,3,5
Maintaining skin integrity is important in preventing chronic ulcers and
infections. The client should be taught to inspect the skin on a daily basis. The client
should reduce weight to promote circulation; a diet lower in calories and fat is
appropriate. Because the client is receiving Coumadin, the client is at risk for bleeding
from cuts. To decrease the risk of cuts, the nurse should suggest that the client use an
electric razor. The client with decreased arterial blood flow should be encouraged to
participate in ADLs. In fact, the client should be encouraged to consult an exercise
physiologist for an exercise program that enhances the aerobic capacity of the body.
A client with peripheral vascular disease has undergone a right femoral-popliteal
bypass graft. The blood pressure has decreased from 124/80 to 94/62. What
should the nurse assess first?
1. IV fluid solution.
2. Pedal pulses.
3. Nasal cannula flow rate.
4. Capillary refill
2
With each set of vital signs, the nurse should assess the dorsalis pedis and
posterior tibial pulses. The nurse needs to ensure adequate perfusion to the lower
extremity with the drop in blood pressure. IV fluids, nasal cannula setting, and capillary
refill are important to assess; however, priority is to determine the cause of drop in
blood pressure and that adequate perfusion through the new graft is maintained.
The nurse is caring for a client with peripheral artery disease who has recently
been prescribed clopidogrel (Plavix). The nurse understands that more teaching is
necessary when the client states which of the following:
1. "I should not be surprised if I bruise easier or if my gums bleed a little when
brushing my teeth."
2. "It doesn't really matter if I take this medicine with or without food, whatever
works best for my stomach."
3. "I should stop taking Plavix if it makes me feel weak and dizzy."
4. "The doctor prescribed this medicine to make my platelets less likely to stick together and help prevent clots from forming."
3
Weakness, dizziness, and headache are common adverse effects of Plavix and
the client should report these to the physician if they are problematic; in order to
decrease risk of clot formation, Plavix must be taken regularly and should not be
stopped or taken intermittently. The main adverse effect of Plavix is bleeding, which
often occurs as increased bruising or bleeding when brushing teeth. Plavix is well
absorbed, and while food may help decrease potential gastrointestinal upset, Plavix may
be taken with or without food. Plavix is an antiplatelet agent used to prevent clot
formation in clients who have experienced or are at risk for myocardial infarction,
ischemic stroke, peripheral artery disease, or acute coronary syndrome.
A client is receiving Cilostazol (Pletal) for peripheral arterial disease causing
intermittent claudication. The nurse determines this medication is effective when the
client reports which of the following?
1. "I am having fewer aches and pains."
2. "I do not have headaches anymore."
3. "I am able to walk further without leg pain."
4. "My toes are turning grayish black in color."
3
Cilostazol is indicated for management of intermittent claudication. Symptoms
usually improve within 2 to 4 weeks of therapy. Intermittent claudication prevents
clients from walking for long periods of time. Cilostazol inhibits platelet aggregation
induced by various stimuli and improving blood flow to the muscles and allowing the
client to walk long distances without pain. Peripheral arterial disease causes pain
mainly of the leg muscles. "Aches and pains" does not specify exactly where the pain is
occurring. Headaches may occur as a side effect of this drug, and the client should
report this information to the health care provider. Peripheral arterial disease causes
decreased blood supply to the peripheral tissues and may cause gangrene of the toes; the
drug is effective when the toes are warm to the touch and the color of the toes is similar
to the color of the body.
The client admitted with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) asks the nurse why
her legs hurt when she walks. The nurse bases a response on the knowledge that the
main characteristic of PVD is:
1. Decreased blood flow.
2. Increased blood flow.
3. Slow blood flow.
4. Thrombus formation.
1
Decreased blood flow is a common characteristic of all PVD. When the
demand for oxygen to the working muscles becomes greater than the supply, pain is the
outcome. Slow blood flow throughout the circulatory system may suggest pump failure.
Thrombus formation can result from stasis or damage to the intima of the vessels.
The nurse is planning care for a client who is diagnosed with peripheral vascular
disease (PVD) and has a history of heart failure. The nurse should develop a plan of
care that is based on the fact that the client may have a low tolerance for exercise
related to:
1. Decreased blood flow.
2. Increased blood flow.
3. Decreased pain.
4. Increased blood viscosity.
1
A client with PVD and heart failure will experience decreased blood flow. In
this situation, low exercise tolerance (oxygen demand becomes greater than the oxygen
supply) may be related to less blood being ejected from the left ventricle into the
systemic circulation. Decreased blood supply to the tissues results in pain. Increased
blood viscosity may be a component, but it is of much less importance than the disease
processes.
When assessing the lower extremities of a client with peripheral vascular
disease (PVD), the nurse notes bilateral ankle edema. The edema is related to:
1. Competent venous valves.
2. Decreased blood volume.
3. Increase in muscular activity.
4. Increased venous pressure.
4
In PVD, decreased blood flow can result in increased venous pressure. The
increase in venous pressure results in an increase in capillary hydrostatic pressure,
which causes a net filtration of fluid out of the capillaries into the interstitial space,
resulting in edema. Valves often become incompetent with PVD. Blood volume is not
decreased in this condition. Decreased muscular action would contribute to the
formation of edema in the lower extremities.
The nurse is obtaining the pulse of a client who has had a femoral-popliteal
bypass surgery 6 hours ago. (See below) Which assessment provides the most accurate
information about the client's postoperative status?
1. radial pulse
2. femoral pulse
3. apical pulse
4. dorsalis pedis pulse
4
The presence of a strong dorsalis pedis pulse indicates that there is circulation to
the extremity distal to the surgery indicating that the graft between the femoral and
popliteal artery is allowing blood to circulate effectively. Answer 1 shows the nurse
obtaining the radial pulse; answer 2 shows the femoral pulse, which is proximal to the
surgery site and will not indicate circulation distal to the surgery site. Answer 3 shows
the nurse obtaining an apical pulse.
The nurse is teaching a client about risk factors associated with atherosclerosis
and how to reduce the risk. Which of the following is a risk factor that the client is not
able to modify?
1. Diabetes.
2. Age.
3. Exercise level.
4. Dietary preferences
2
Age is a nonmodifiable risk factor for atherosclerosis. The nurse instructs the
client to manage modifiable risk factors such as comorbid diseases (eg, diabetes),
activity level, and diet. Controlling serum blood glucose levels, engaging in regular
aerobic activity, and choosing a diet low in saturated fats can reduce the risk of
developing atherosclerosis.
The nurse is assessing the lower extremities of the client with peripheral
vascular disease (PVD). During the assessment, the nurse should expect to find which of
the following clinical manifestations of PVD? Select all that apply.
1. Hairy legs.
2. Mottled skin.
3. Pink skin.
4. Coolness.
5. Moist skin.
2,4
Reduction of blood flow to a specific area results in decreased oxygen and
nutrients. As a result, the skin may appear mottled. The skin will also be cool to the
touch. Loss of hair and dry skin are other signs that the nurse may observe in a client
with PVD of the lower extremities.
The nurse is unable to palpate the client's left pedal pulses. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take next?
1. Auscultate the pulses with a stethoscope.
2. Call the physician.
3. Use a Doppler ultrasound device.
4. Inspect the lower left extremity
3
When pedal pulses are not palpable, the nurse should obtain a Doppler
ultrasound device. Auscultation is not likely to be helpful if the pulse isn't palpable.
Inspection of the lower extremity can be done simultaneously when palpating, but the
nurse should first try to locate a pulse by Doppler. Calling the physician may be
necessary if there is a change in the client's condition.
Which of the following lipid abnormalities is a risk factor for the development
of atherosclerosis and peripheral vascular disease?
1. Low concentration of triglycerides.
2. High levels of high-density lipid (HDL) cholesterol.
3. High levels of low-density lipid (LDL) cholesterol.
4. Low levels of LDL cholesterol.
3
An increased LDL cholesterol concentration has been documented as a risk
factor for the development of atherosclerosis. LDL cholesterol is not broken down in
the liver but is deposited into the intima of the blood vessels. Low triglyceride levels
are desirable. High HDL and low LDL levels are beneficial and are known to be
protective for the cardiovascular system.
When assessing an individual with peripheral vascular disease, which clinical
manifestation would indicate complete arterial obstruction in the lower left leg?
1. Aching pain in the left calf.
2. Burning pain in the left calf.
3. Numbness and tingling in the left leg.
4. Coldness of the left foot and ankle
4
Coldness in the left foot and ankle is consistent with complete arterial
obstruction. Other expected findings would include paralysis and pallor. Aching pain, a
burning sensation, or numbness and tingling are earlier signs of tissue hypoxia and
ischemia and are commonly associated with incomplete obstruction.
A client with peripheral vascular disease returns to the surgical care unit after
having femoral-popliteal bypass grafting. Indicate in which order the nurse should
conduct assessment of this client.
1. Postoperative pain.
2. Peripheral pulses.
3. Urine output.
4. Incision site.
(2,4,3,1)
Because assessment of the presence and quality of the pedal pulses in the affected
extremity is essential after surgery to make sure that the bypass graft is functioning, this
step should be done first. The nurse should next ensure that the dressing is intact, and
then that the client has adequate urine output. Lastly, the nurse should determine the
client's level of pain.
A client with heart failure has bilateral +4 edema of the right ankle that extends
up to midcalf. The client is sitting in a chair with the legs in a dependent position.
Which of the following goals is the priority?
1. Decrease venous congestion.
2. Maintain normal respirations.
3. Maintain body temperature.
4. Prevent injury to lower extremities.
1
Decreasing venous congestion in the extremities is a desired outcome for
clients with heart failure. The nurse should elevate the client's legs above the level of
the heart to achieve this goal. The client is not demonstrating difficulty breathing or
being cold. The nurse should prevent injury to the swollen extremity; however, this is
not the priority.
The nurse is assessing an older Caucasian male who has a history of peripheral
vascular disease. The nurse observes that the man's left great toe is black. The
discoloration is probably a result of:
1. Atrophy.
2. Contraction.
3. Gangrene.
4. Rubor.
3
The term gangrene refers to blackened, decomposing tissue that is devoid of
circulation. Chronic ischemia and death of the tissue can lead to gangrene in the affected
extremity. Injury, edema, and decreased circulation lead to infection, gangrene, and
tissue death. Atrophy is the shrinking of tissue, and contraction is joint stiffening
secondary to disuse. The term rubor denotes a reddish color of the skin
A client has peripheral vascular disease (PVD) of the lower extremities. The
client tells the nurse, "I've really tried to manage my condition well." Which of the
following routines should the nurse evaluate as having been appropriate for this client?
1. Resting with the legs elevated above the level of the heart.
2. Walking slowly but steadily for 30 minutes twice a day.
3. Minimizing activity.
4. Wearing antiembolism stockings at all times when out of bed
2
Slow, steady walking is a recommended activity for clients with peripheral
vascular disease because it stimulates the development of collateral circulation. The
client with PVD should not remain inactive. Elevating the legs above the heart or
wearing antiembolism stockings is a strategy for alleviating venous congestion and may
worsen peripheral arterial disease
A client is scheduled for an arteriogram. The nurse should explain to the client
that the arteriogram will confirm the diagnosis of occlusive arterial disease by:
1. Showing the location of the obstruction and the collateral circulation.
2. Scanning the affected extremity and identifying the areas of volume changes.
3. Using ultrasound to estimate the velocity changes in the blood vessels.
4. Determining how long the client can walk.
1
An arteriogram involves injecting a radiopaque contrast agent directly into the
vascular system to visualize the vessels. It usually involves computed tomographic
scanning. The velocity of the blood flow can be estimated by duplex ultrasound. The
client's ankle-brachial index is determined, and then the client is requested to walk. The
normal response is little or no drop in ankle systolic pressure after exercise.
A client is scheduled to have an arteriogram. During the arteriogram, the client
reports having nausea, tingling, and dyspnea. The nurse's immediate action should be
to:
1. Administer epinephrine.
2. Inform the physician.
3. Administer oxygen.
4. Inform the client that the procedure is almost over.
2
.Clients may have an immediate or a delayed reaction to the radiopaque dye.
The physician should be notified immediately because the symptoms suggest an allergic
reaction. Treatment may involve administering oxygen and epinephrine. Explaining that
the procedure is over does not address the current symptoms
Which of the following is an expected outcome when a client is receiving an IV
administration of furosemide?
1. Increased blood pressure.
2. Increased urine output.
3. Decreased pain.
4. Decreased premature ventricular contractions.
2
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that acts to increase urine output. Furosemide
does not increase blood pressure, decrease pain, or decrease arrhythmias.
A client has had a pulmonary artery catheter inserted. In performing
hemodynamic monitoring with the catheter, the nurse will wedge the catheter to gain
information about which of the following?
1. Cardiac output.
2. Right atrial blood flow.
3. Left end-diastolic pressure.
4. Cardiac index
3
When wedged, the catheter is "pointing" indirectly at the left end-diastolic
pressure. The pulmonary artery wedge pressure is measured when the tip of the catheter
is slowing inflated and allowed to wedge into a branch of the pulmonary artery. Once
the balloon is wedged, the catheter reads the pressure in front of the balloon. During
diastole, the mitral valve is open, reflecting left ventricular end diastolic pressure.
Cardiac output is the amount of blood ejected by the heart in 1 minute and is determined
through thermodilution and not wedge pressure. Cardiac index is calculated by dividing
the client's cardiac output by the client's body surface area, and is considered a more
accurate reflection of the individual client's cardiac output. Right atrial blood pressure
is not measured with the pulmonary artery catheter.
After a myocardial infarction, the hospitalized client is taught to move the legs
while resting in bed. The expected outcome of this exercise is to:
1. Prepare the client for ambulation.
2. Promote urinary and intestinal elimination.
3. Prevent thrombophlebitis and blood clot formation.
4. Decrease the likelihood of pressure ulcer formation.
3
Encouraging the client to move the legs while in bed is a preventive strategy
taught to all clients who are hospitalized and on bed rest to promote venous return. The
muscular action aids in venous return and prevents venous stasis in the lower
extremities. These exercises are not intended to prepare the client for ambulation. These
exercises are not associated with promoting urinary and intestinal elimination. These
exercises are not performed to decrease the risk of pressure ulcer formation
Which of the following is the most appropriate diet for a client during the acute
phase of myocardial infarction?
1. Liquids as desired.
2. Small, easily digested meals.
3. Three regular meals per day.
4. Nothing by mouth
2
Recommended dietary principles in the acute phase of MI include avoiding
large meals because small, easily digested foods are better tolerated. Fluids are given
according to the client's needs, and sodium restrictions may be prescribed, especially
for clients with manifestations of heart failure. Cholesterol restrictions may be
prescribed as well. Clients are not prescribed diets of liquids only or restricted to
nothing by mouth unless their condition is very unstable.
The nurse is caring for a client who recently experienced a myocardial
infarction and has been started on clopidogrel (Plavix). The nurse should develop a
teaching plan that includes which of the following points? Select all that apply.
1. The client should report unexpected bleeding or bleeding that lasts a long time.
2. The client should take Plavix with food.
3. The client may bruise more easily and may experience bleeding gums.
4. Plavix works by preventing platelets from sticking together and forming a clot.
5. The client should drink a glass of water after taking Plavix.
1,3,4
Plavix is generally well absorbed and may be taken with or without
food; it should be taken at the same time every day and, while food may help prevent
potential GI upset, food has no effect on absorption of the drug. Bleeding is the most
common adverse effect of Plavix; the client must understand the importance of reporting
any unexpected, prolonged, or excessive bleeding including blood in urine or stool.
Increased bruising and bleeding gums are possible side effects of Plavix; the client
should be aware of this possibility. Plavix is an antiplatelet agent used to prevent clot
formation in clients that have experienced or are at risk for myocardial infarction,
ischemic stroke, peripheral artery disease, or acute coronary syndrome. It is not
necessary to drink a glass of water after taking Plavix. [Show Less]