Assessment and Management of Patients With Vascular Disorders and Problems of Peripheral Circulation
When administering heparin anticoagulant therapy, the nurse needs to make certain that the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is within the therapeutic range of: 1.5 to 2.5 times the baseline control. 2.5 to 3.0 times the baseline control. 3.5 times the baseline control. 4.5 times the baseline control.
1.5 to 2.5 times the baseline control.
When administering heparin anticoagulant therapy, the nurse needs to make certain that the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is within the therapeutic range of: 1.5 to 2.5 times the baseline control. 2.5 to 3.0 times the baseline control. 3.5 times the baseline control. 4.5 times the baseline control.
1.5 to 2.5 times the baseline control. A normal PTT level is 21 to 35 seconds. A reading of more than 100 seconds indicates a significant risk of hemorrhage.
The nurse is assisting a patient with peripheral arterial disease to ambulate in the hallway. What should the nurse include in the education of the patient during ambulation? "As soon as you feel pain, we will go back and elevate your legs." "If you feel pain during the walk, keep walking until the end of the hallway is reached." "Walk to the point of pain, rest until the pain subsides, then resume ambulation." "If you feel any discomfort, stop and we will use a wheelchair to take you back to your room."
"Walk to the point of pain, rest until the pain subsides, then resume ambulation." The nurse instructs the patient to walk to the point of pain, rest until the pain subsides, and then resume walking so that endurance can be increased as collateral circulation develops. Pain can serve as a guide in determining the appropriate amount of exercise.
A patient is admitted to a special critical care unit for the treatment of an arterial thrombus. The nurse is aware that the preferred drug of choice for clot removal, unless contraindicated, would be: Alteplase. Reteplase. Urokinase. Streptokinase
Alteplase
A patient is admitted to a special critical care unit for the treatment of an arterial thrombus. The nurse is aware that the preferred drug of choice for clot removal, unless contraindicated, would be: Alteplase. Reteplase. Urokinase. Streptokinase
Alteplase. Alteplase has fewer disadvantages than the other thrombolytic agents. Refer to Table 18-2 in the text.
The nurse explains to a patient that the primary cause of a varicose vein is: Phlebothrombosis. An incompetent venous valve. Venospasm. Venous occlusion.
An incompetent venous valve. Varicose veins are abnormally dilated, tortuous, superficial veins caused by incompetent venous valves.
To assess the dorsalis pedis artery, the nurse would use the tips of three fingers and apply light pressure to the: Inside of the ankle just above the heel. Exterior surface of the foot near the heel. Outside of the foot just below the heel. Anterior surface of the foot near the ankle joint.
Anterior surface of the foot near the ankle joint. The dorsalis pedis pulse can be palpated on the dorsal surface of the foot distal to the major prominence of the navicular bone.
A client in the emergency department states, "I have always taken a morning walk, but lately my leg cramps and hurts after just a few minutes of walking. The pain goes away after I stop walking, though." Based on this statement, which priority assessment should the nurse complete? Check for the presence of tortuous veins bilaterally on the legs. Ask about any changes in skin color that occur in response to cold. Attempt to palpate the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses. Assess for unilateral swelling and tenderness of either leg.
Attempt to palpate the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses. Intermittent claudication is a sign of peripheral arterial insufficiency. The nurse should assess for other clinical manifestations of peripheral arterial disease in a client who describes intermittent claudication. A thorough assessment of the client's skin color and temperature and the character of the peripheral pulses are important in the diagnosis of arterial disorders.
A client is hospitalized for repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The nurse must be alert for signs and symptoms of aneurysm rupture and thus looks for which of the following? Constant, intense back pain and falling blood pressure Constant, intense headache and falling blood pressure Higher than normal blood pressure and falling hematocrit Slow heart rate and high blood pressure
Constant, intense back pain and falling blood pressure
Which is a characteristic of arterial insufficiency? Diminished or absent pulses Superficial ulcer Aching, cramping pain Pulses are present but may be difficult to palpate
Diminished or absent pulses A diminished or absent pulse is a characteristic of arterial insufficiency. Venous characteristics include superficial ulcer formation, an aching and cramping pain, and presence of pulses.
A patient is having an angiography to detect the presence of an aneurysm. After the contrast is administered by the interventionist, the patient begins to complain of nausea and difficulty breathing. What medication is a priority to administer at this time? Metoprolol (Lopressor) Epinephrine Hydrocortisone (Solu-Cortef) Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Epinephrine Infrequently, a patient may have an immediate or delayed allergic reaction to the iodine contained in the contrast agent used in angiography. Manifestations include dyspnea, nausea and vomiting, sweating, tachycardia, and numbness of the extremities. Any such reaction must be reported to the interventionalist at once; treatment may include the administration of epinephrine, antihistamines, or corticosteroids.
Which class of medication lyses and dissolves thrombi? Fibrinolytic Anticoagulant Platelet inhibitors Factor XA inhibitors
Fibrinolytic Thrombolytic (fibrinolytic) therapy lyses and dissolves thrombi in 50% of clients. Anticoagulants, platelet inhibitors, and factor XA inhibitors do not lyse or dissolve thrombi.
Providing postoperative care to a patient who has percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), with insertion of a stent, for a femoral artery lesion, includes assessment for the most serious complication of: Hemorrhage. Thrombosis of the graft. Decreased motor function. Stent dislodgement.
Hemorrhage All choices are serious and require medical/surgical intervention. However, hemorrhage is the most serious complication that requires immediate attention.
A client with Raynaud's disease complains of cold and numbness in the fingers. Which of the following would the nurse identify as an early sign of vasoconstriction? Cyanosis Gangrene Pallor Clubbing of the fingers
Pallor Pallor is the initial symptom in Raynaud's followed by cyanosis and aching pain. Gangrene can occur with persistent attacks and interference of blood flow. Clubbing of the fingers is a symptom associated with chronic oxygen deprivation to the distal phalanges.
The nurse is caring for a patient who has started anticoagulant therapy with warfarin (Coumadin). When does the nurse understand that therapeutic benefits will begin? Within 12 hours Within the first 24 hours In 2 days In 3 to 5 days
In 3 to 5 days Oral anticoagulants, such as warfarin, are monitored by the PT or the INR. Because the full anticoagulant effect of warfarin is delayed for 3 to 5 days, it is usually administered concurrently with heparin until desired anticoagulation has been achieved (i.e., when the PT is 1.5 to 2 times normal or the INR is 2.0 to 3.0) (Holbrook et al., 2012).
Which sign or symptom suggests that a client's abdominal aortic aneurysm is extending? Increased abdominal and back pain Decreased pulse rate and blood pressure Retrosternal back pain radiating to the left arm Elevated blood pressure and rapid respirations
Increased abdominal and back pain Pain in the abdomen and back signify that the aneurysm is pressing downward on the lumbar nerve root and is causing more pain. The pulse rate would increase with aneurysm extension. Chest pain radiating down the arm would indicate myocardial infarction. Blood pressure would decrease with aneurysm extension, and the respiratory rate may not be affected.
A client is receiving enoxaparin and warfarin therapy for a venous thromboembolism (VTE). Which laboratory value indicates that anticoagulation is adequate and enoxaparin can be discontinued? Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPPT) is half of the control value Prothrombin time (PT) is 0.5 times normal. International normalized ratio (INR) is 2.5. K+ level is 3.5.
International normalized ratio (INR) is 2.5. Oral anticoagulants such as warfarin are monitored by PT or the INR. Because the full anticoagulant effect of warfarin is delayed for 3 to 5 days, it is usually administered concurrently with heparin until desired anticoagulation has been achieved (i.e., when the PT is 1.5 to 2 times normal or the INR is 2.0 to 3.0)
A home health nurse is teaching a client with peripheral arterial disease ways to improve circulation to the lower extremities. The nurse encourages which of the following in teaching? Application of ace wraps from the toe to below the knees Use of antiembolic stockings Elevation of the legs above the heart Keeping the legs in a neutral or dependent position
Keeping the legs in a neutral or dependent position Keeping the legs in a neutral or dependent position assists in delivery of arterial blood from the heart to the lower extremities. All the other choices will aid in venous return, but will hinder arterial supply to the lower extremities.
With a severe degree of peripheral arterial insufficiency, leg pain during rest can be reduced by: Elevating the limb over the heart level. Lowering the limb so that it is dependent. Massaging the limb after application of cold compresses. Placing the limb in a plane horizontal to the body.
Lowering the limb so that it is dependent. Lowering the extremity to a dependent position improves perfusion to the distal tissues.
A client is diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease. Review of the client's chart shows an ankle-brachial index (ABI) on the right of 0.45. This indicates that the right foot has which of the following? Moderate to severe arterial insufficiency No arterial insufficiency Very mild arterial insufficiency Tissue loss to that foot
Moderate to severe arterial insufficiency Normal people without arterial insufficiency have an ABI of about 1.0. Those with an ABI of 0.95 to 0.5 have mild to moderate arterial insufficiency. Those with an ABI of less than 0.50 have ischemic rest pain. Those with tissue loss have severe ischemia and an ABI of 0.25 or less.
Aortic dissection may be mistaken for which of the following disease processes? Myocardial infarction (MI) Stroke Pneumothorax Angina
Myocardial Aortic dissection may be mistaken for an acute MI, which could confuse the clinical picture and initial treatment. Aortic dissection is not mistaken for stroke, pneumothorax, or angina.
Aortic dissection may be mistaken for which of the following disease processes? Myocardial infarction (MI) Stroke Pneumothorax Angina
Myocardial infarction (MI) Aortic dissection may be mistaken for an acute MI, which could confuse the clinical picture and initial treatment. Aortic dissection is not mistaken for stroke, pneumothorax, or angina.
Which risk factor is related to venous stasis for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)? Trauma Pacing wires Obesity Surgery
Obesity Obesity is a risk factor for DVT and PE related to venous stasis. Trauma, pacing wires, and surgery are related to endothelial damage as a risk factor for DCAT and PE.
A patient complains of a "stabbing pain and a burning sensation" in his left foot. The nurse notices that the foot is a lighter color than the rest of the skin. The artery that the nurse suspects is occluded would be the: Internal iliac. Common femoral. Popliteal. Posterior tibial.
Posterior tibial. Clinical symptoms of PAD are manifested in organs or muscle groups supplied by specific arterial blood flow. The posterior tibial artery is a major artery that is a common site for occlusion.
A postoperative client is receiving heparin after developing thrombophlebitis. The nurse monitors the client carefully for bleeding and other adverse effects of heparin. If the client starts to exhibit signs of excessive bleeding, the nurse should expect to administer an antidote that is specific to heparin. Which agent fits this description? Phytonadione (vitamin K) Protamine sulfate Thrombin Plasma protein fraction
Protamine sulfate Protamine sulfate is the antidote specific to heparin. Phytonadione (vitamin K) is the antidote specific to oral anticoagulants such as warfarin. (Heparin isn't given orally.) Thrombin is a hemostatic agent used to control local bleeding. Plasma protein fraction, a blood derivative, supplies colloids to the blood and expands plasma volume; it's used to treat clients who are in shock.
A physician admits a client to the health care facility for treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. When planning this client's care, which goal should the nurse keep in mind as she formulates interventions? Decreasing blood pressure and increasing mobility Increasing blood pressure and reducing mobility Stabilizing heart rate and blood pressure and easing anxiety Increasing blood pressure and monitoring fluid intake and output
Stabilizing heart rate and blood pressure and easing anxiety For a client with an aneurysm, nursing interventions focus on preventing aneurysm rupture by stabilizing heart rate and blood pressure. Easing anxiety also is important because anxiety and increased stimulation may raise the heart rate and boost blood pressure, precipitating aneurysm rupture. The client with an abdominal aortic aneurysm is typically hypertensive, so the nurse should take measures to lower blood pressure, such as administering antihypertensive agents, as ordered, to prevent aneurysm rupture. To sustain major organ perfusion, the client should maintain a mean arterial pressure of at least 60 mm Hg. Although the nurse must assess each client's mobility individually, most clients need bed rest when initially attempting to gain stability.
A physician admits a client to the health care facility for treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. When planning this client's care, which goal should the nurse keep in mind as she formulates interventions? Decreasing blood pressure and increasing mobility Increasing blood pressure and reducing mobility Stabilizing heart rate and blood pressure and easing anxiety Increasing blood pressure and monitoring fluid intake and output
Stabilizing heart rate and blood pressure and easing anxiety For a client with an aneurysm, nursing interventions focus on preventing aneurysm rupture by stabilizing heart rate and blood pressure. Easing anxiety also is important because anxiety and increased stimulation may raise the heart rate and boost blood pressure, precipitating aneurysm rupture. The client with an abdominal aortic aneurysm is typically hypertensive, so the nurse should take measures to lower blood pressure, such as administering antihypertensive agents, as ordered, to prevent aneurysm rupture. To sustain major organ perfusion, the client should maintain a mean arterial pressure of at least 60 mm Hg. Although the nurse must assess each client's mobility individually, most clients need bed rest when initially attempting to gain stability.
On a routine visit to the physician, a client with chronic arterial occlusive disease reports that he's stopped smoking after 34 years. To relieve symptoms of intermittent claudication, a condition associated with chronic arterial occlusive disease, which additional measure should the nurse recommend? Taking daily walks Engaging in anaerobic exercise Reducing daily fat intake to less than 45% of total calories Abstaining from foods that increase levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs)
Taking daily walks Taking daily walks relieves symptoms of intermittent claudication, although the exact mechanism is unclear. Anaerobic exercise may make these symptoms worse. Clients with chronic arterial occlusive disease must reduce daily fat intake to 30% or less of total calories. The client should limit dietary cholesterol because hyperlipidemia is associated with atherosclerosis, a known cause of arterial occlusive disease. However, HDLs have the lowest cholesterol concentration, so this client should eat, not abstain from, foods that raise HDL levels.
Signs of DVT include inflammation and edema in the affected extremity, causing its circumference to exceed that of the opposite extremity. Pallor, coolness, decreased pulse, and hair loss in an extremity signal interrupted arterial blood flow, which doesn't occur in DVT. Taking daily walks Engaging in anaerobic exercise Reducing daily fat intake to less than 45% of total calories Abstaining from foods that increase levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs)
Taking daily walks Taking daily walks relieves symptoms of intermittent claudication, although the exact mechanism is unclear. Anaerobic exercise may make these symptoms worse. Clients with chronic arterial occlusive disease must reduce daily fat intake to 30% or less of total calories. The client should limit dietary cholesterol because hyperlipidemia is associated with atherosclerosis, a known cause of arterial occlusive disease. However, HDLs have the lowest cholesterol concentration, so this client should eat, not abstain from, foods that raise HDL levels.
A client with a diagnosed abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) develops severe lower back pain. Which is the most likely cause? The aneurysm has become obstructed. The aneurysm may be preparing to rupture. The client is experiencing inflammation of the aneurysm. The client is experiencing normal sensations associated with this condition.
The aneurysm may be preparing to rupture. Signs of impending rupture include severe back or abdominal pain, which may be persistent or intermittent. Abdominal pain is often localized to the middle or lower abdomen to the left of the midline. Low-back pain may be present because of pressure of the aneurysm on the lumbar nerves. Indications of a rupturing AAA include constant, intense back pain; falling blood pressure; and decreasing hematocrit. Rupture into the peritoneal cavity is quickly fatal. A retroperitoneal rupture of an aneurysm may result in hematomas in the scrotum, perineum, flank, or penis.
The most important factor regulating the caliber of blood vessels, which determines resistance to flow, is: Hormonal secretion. Independent arterial wall activity. The influence of circulating chemicals. The sympathetic nervous system.
The sympathetic nervous system. Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system causes vasoconstriction thus regulating blood flow. Norepinephrine is the responsible neurotransmitter.
The nurse is caring for a patient with venous insufficiency. For what should the nurse assess the patient's lower extremities? Rubor Cellulitis Dermatitis Ulceration
Ulceration Venous ulceration is the most serious complication of chronic venous insufficiency and can be associated with other conditions affecting the circulation of the lower extremities. Cellulitis or dermatitis may complicate the care of chronic venous insufficiency and venous ulcerations.
A home health nurse is seeing an elderly male client for the first time. During the physical assessment of the skin on the lower legs, the nurse notes edema, brown pigmentation in the gaiter area, pedal pulses, and a few irregularly shaped ulcers around the ankles. From these findings, the nurse knows that the client has a problem with peripheral circulation. Which of the following does the nurse suspect? Arterial insufficiency Venous insufficiency Neither venous nor arterial insufficiency Trauma
Venous insufficiency
The most common site of aneurysm formation is in the: abdominal aorta, just below the renal arteries. ascending aorta, around the aortic arch. descending aorta, beyond the subclavian arteries. aortic arch, around the ascending and descending aorta.
abdominal aorta, just below the renal arteries. About 75% of aneurysms occur in the abdominal aorta, just below the renal arteries (Debarked type I aneurysms). Debarked type II aneurysms occur in the aortic arch around the ascending and descending aorta, whereas Debarked type III aneurysms occur in the descending aorta, beyond the subclavian arteries.
To check for arterial insufficiency when a client is in a supine position, the nurse should elevate the extremity at a 45-degree angle and then have the client sit up. The nurse suspects arterial insufficiency if the assessment reveals: elevational rubor. no rubor for 10 seconds after the maneuver. elevational pallor. a 30-second filling time for the veins.
elevational pallor. If arterial insufficiency is present, elevation of the limb would yield a pallor from the lack of circulation. Rubor on elevation and increased venous filling time would suggest venous problems secondary to venous trapping and incompetent valves.
Two days after undergoing a total abdominal hysterectomy, a client complains of left calf pain. Venography reveals deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When assessing this client, the nurse is likely to detect: pallor and coolness of the left foot. a decrease in the left pedal pulse. loss of hair on the lower portion of the left leg. left calf circumference 1" (2.5 cm) larger than the right.
left calf circumference 1" (2.5 cm) larger than the right. Signs of DVT include inflammation and edema in the affected extremity, causing its circumference to exceed that of the opposite extremity. Pallor, coolness, decreased pulse, and hair loss in an extremity signal interrupted arterial blood flow, which doesn't occur in DVT.
When caring for a patient who has started anticoagulant therapy with warfarin (Coumadin), the nurse knows that therapeutic benefits will not occur for: At least 12 hours. The first 24 hours. 2 to 3 days. 3 to 5 days.
3 to 5 days. It takes 3 to 5 days for a therapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) to be achieved. Therefore, Coumadin is given concurrently with heparin until a therapeutic level is established, usually within 72 hours.
A client is recovering from surgical repair of a dissecting aortic aneurysm. Which assessment findings indicate possible bleeding or recurring dissection? Urine output of 15 ml/hour and 2+ hematuria Blood pressure of 82/40 mm Hg and heart rate of 125 beats/minute Urine output of 150 ml/hour and heart rate of 45 beats/minute Blood pressure of 82/40 mm Hg and heart rate of 45 beats/minute
Blood pressure of 82/40 mm Hg and heart rate of 125 Assessment findings that indicate possible bleeding or recurring dissection include hypotension with reflex tachycardia (as evidenced by a blood pressure of 82/40 mm Hg and a heart rate of 125 beats/minute), decreased urine output, and unequal or absent peripheral pulses. Hematuria, increased urine output, and bradycardia aren't signs of bleeding from aneurysm repair or recurring dissection.
Health teaching includes advising patients on ways to reduce PAD. The nurse should always emphasize that the strongest risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic lesions is: Cigarette smoking. Lack of exercise. Obesity. Stress.
Cigarette smoking. Nicotine decreases blood flow, increases heart rate and blood pressure, and increases the risk for clot formation by increasing platelet aggregation. Smokers have a four-fold higher risk of developing pain from arterial disease than nonsmokers. Carbon monoxide, produced by burning tobacco, combines with hemoglobin more readily than oxygen, thus depriving tissues of oxygen.
Pentoxifylline (Trental) is a medication used for which of the following conditions? Claudication Thromboemboli Hypertension Elevated triglycerides
Claudication Trental and Pletal are the only medications specifically indicated for the treatment of claudication. Thromboemboli, hypertension, and elevated triglycerides are not indications for using Trental.
The nurse assessing a client who has arterial insufficiency of the legs and an ulcer on the left great toe would expect to find which characteristic? Diminished or absent pulses Superficial ulcer Aching, cramping pain Pulses that are present but difficult to palpate
Diminished or absent pulses Occlusive arterial disease impairs blood flow and can reduce or obliterate palpable pulsations in the extremities. A diminished or absent pulse is a characteristic of arterial insufficiency.
Which aneurysm results in bleeding into the layers of the arterial wall? Saccular Dissecting False Anastomotic
Dissecting Dissection results from a rupture in the intimal layer, resulting in bleeding between the intimal and medial layers of the arterial wall. Saccular aneurysms collect blood in the weakened outpouching. In a false aneurysm, the mass is actually a pulsating hematoma. An anastomotic aneurysm occurs as a result of infection at arterial suture or graft sites.
A patient who had a colon resection 3 days ago is complaining of discomfort in the left calf. How should the nurse assess Homan's sign to determine if the patient may have a thrombus formation in the leg? Dorsiflex the foot while the leg is elevated to check for calf pain. Elevate the patient's legs for 20 minutes and then lower them slowly while checking for areas of inadequate blood return. Extend the leg, plantar flex the foot, and check for the patency of the dorsalis pedis pulse. Lower the patient's legs and massage the calf muscles to note any areas of tenderness.
Dorsiflex the foot while the leg is elevated to check for calf pain. Homan's sign is indicated by pain in the calf after the foot is sharply dorsiflexed.
A patient with diabetes is being treated for a wound on the lower extremity that has been present for 30 days. What option for treatment is available to increase diffusion of oxygen to the hypoxic wound? Surgical debridement Enzymatic debridement Hyperbaric oxygen Vacuum-assisted closure device
Hyperbaric oxygen Hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) may be beneficial as an adjunct treatment in patients with diabetes with no signs of wound healing after 30 days of standard wound treatment. HBO is accomplished by placing the patient into a chamber that increases barometric pressure while the patient is breathing 100% oxygen. Treatment regimens vary from 90 to 120 minutes once daily for 30 to 90 sessions. The process by which HBO is thought to work involves several factors. The edema in the wound area is decreased because high oxygen tension facilitates vasoconstriction and enhances the ability of leukocytes to phagocytize and kill bacteria. In addition, HBO is thought to increase diffusion of oxygen to the hypoxic wound, thereby enhancing epithelial migration and improving collagen production.
What should the nurse do to manage persistent swelling in a client with severe lymphangitis and lymphadenitis? Teach the client how to apply a graduated compression stocking. Inform the physician if the client's temperature remains low. Avoid elevating the area. Offer cold applications to promote comfort and to enhance circulation.
Teach the client how to apply a graduated compression stocking. In severe cases of lymphangitis and lymphadenitis with persistent swelling, the nurse teaches the client how to apply a graduated compression stocking. The nurse informs the physician if the client's temperature remains elevated. The nurse recommends elevating the area to reduce the swelling and provides warmth to promote comfort and to enhance circulation.
What should the nurse do to manage the persistent swelling in a client with severe lymphangitis and lymphadenitis? Teach the client how to apply an elastic sleeve Inform the physician if the client's temperature remains low Avoid elevating the area Offer cold applications to promote comfort and to enhance circulation
Teach the client how to apply an elastic sleeve In severe cases of lymphangitis and lymphadenitis with persistent swelling, the nurse teaches the client how to apply an elastic sleeve or stocking. The nurse informs the physician if the client's temperature remains elevated. The nurse recommends elevating the area to reduce the swelling and provides warmth to promote comfort and to enhance circulation.
A nurse and physician are preparing to visit a hospitalized client with peripheral arterial disease. As you approach the client's room, the physician asks if the client has reported any intermittent claudication. The client has reported this symptom. The nurse explains to the physician which of the following details? The client can walk about 50 feet before getting pain in the right lower leg. The client's fingers tingle when left in one position for too long. The client experiences shortness of breath after walking about 50 feet. The client's legs awaken him during the night with itching.
The client can walk about 50 feet before getting pain in the right lower leg. Intermittent claudication is caused by the inability of the arterial system to provide adequate blood flow to the tissues when increased demands are made for oxygen and nutrients during exercise. Pain is then experienced. When the client rests and decreases demands, the pain subsides. The client can then walk the same distance and repeat the process.
A client with no known history of peripheral vascular disease comes to the emergency department complaining of sudden onset of lower leg pain. Inspection and palpation reveal absent pulses; paresthesia; and a mottled, cyanotic, cold, and cadaverous left calf. While the physician determines the appropriate therapy, the nurse should: place a heating pad around the affected calf. elevate the affected leg as high as possible. keep the affected leg level or slightly dependent. shave the affected leg in anticipation of surgery.
keep the affected leg level or slightly dependent. While the physician makes treatment decisions, the nurse should maintain the client on bed rest, keeping the affected leg level or slightly dependent (to aid circulation) and protecting it from pressure and other trauma. Warming the leg with a heating pad (or chilling it with an ice pack) would further compromise tissue perfusion and increase injury to the leg. Elevating the leg would worsen tissue ischemia. Shaving an ischemic leg could cause accidental trauma from cuts or nicks.
