Chapter 37 book questions

A

A key aspect f teaching for the patient on anticoagulant therapy include which instruction? a. Monitor for an report and signs of bleeding b. Do not take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for headache c. Decrease your dietary intake of foods containing vitamin K d. Arrange to have blood drawn routinely to check drug levels

D

In planning care and patient teaching for the patient with venous leg ulcers, the nurse recognizes that the most important intervention in healing and control of this condition is a. sclerotherapy b. using moist environment dressings c. taking horse chestnut seed extract daily apply elastic compression stockings

C

Priority nursing measures after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair include: a. assessment of cranial nerves and mental status b. administration of IV heparin and monitoring of aPTT c. administration of IV fluids and monitoring of kidney function d. elevation of the legs and application of elastic compression stockings

C

Rest pain is manifestation of PAD that occurs due to a chronic a. vasospasm of small cutaneous arteries in the feet. b. increase in retrograde venous blood flow in the legs. c. decrease in arterial blood flow to the nerves of the feet. d. decrease in arterial blood flow to the leg muscles during exercise.

D (The decreased urine output suggests decreased renal perfusion, and monitoring of renal function is needed. There is no indication that infection is a concern, so antibiotic therapy and a WBC count are not needed. The IV rate may be increased because hypovolemia may be contributing to the patient's decreased urinary output.)

Several hours after an open surgical repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, the UAP reports to the nurse that urinary output for the past 2 hours has been 40 mL. The nurse notifies the health care provider and anticipates an order for a(n) a. hemoglobin count. b. additional antibiotic. c. decrease in IV infusion rate. d. blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level.

B

The first priority of collaborative care for a patient with a suspected acute aortic dissection is to a. reduce anxiety b. control BP c. monitor for chest pain d. increase myocardial contractility

B (LPN education and scope of practice includes wound care. The other patients, which require more complex assessments or education, should be managed by the RN.)

The nurse who works in the vascular clinic has several patients with venous insufficiency scheduled today. Which patient should the nurse assign to an experienced licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)? a. Patient who has been complaining of increased edema and skin changes in the legs b. Patient who needs wound care for a chronic venous stasis ulcer on the right lower leg c. Patient who has a history of venous thromboembolism and is complaining of some dyspnea d. Patient who needs teaching about the use of elastic compression stockings for venous insufficiency

C (Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon may occur in conjunction with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Patients should be screened for autoimmune disorders. Raynaud's phenomenon is not associated with hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, or coronary artery disease.)

A 23-year-old patient tells the health care provider about experiencing cold, numb fingers when running during the winter and Raynaud's phenomenon is suspected. The nurse will anticipate teaching the patient about tests for a. hyperglycemia. b. hyperlipidemia. c. autoimmune disorders. d. coronary artery disease.

A (Absolute cessation of nicotine use is needed to reduce the risk for amputation in patients with Buerger's disease. Other therapies have limited success in treatment of this disease.)

A 46-year-old is diagnosed with thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease). When the nurse is developing a discharge teaching plan for the patient, which outcome has the highest priority for this patient? a. Cessation of all tobacco use b. Control of serum lipid levels c. Maintenance of appropriate weight d. Demonstration of meticulous foot care

C (Elastic compression stockings are applied with the legs elevated to reduce pressure in the lower legs. Walking is recommended to prevent recurrent varicosities. Sitting and standing are both risk factors for varicose veins and venous insufficiency. An aspirin a day is not adequate to prevent venous thrombosis and would not be recommended for the patient who had just had sclerotherapy.)

A 46-year-old service-counter worker undergoes sclerotherapy for treatment of superficial varicose veins at an outpatient center. Which instructions should the nurse provide to the patient before discharge? a. Sitting at the work counter, rather than standing, is recommended. b. Exercise, such as walking or jogging, can cause recurrence of varicosities. c. Elastic compression stockings should be applied before getting out of bed. d. Taking an aspirin daily will help prevent clots from forming around venous valves.

C

A 50-year-old woman weighs 95kg and has a history of tobacco use, high blood pressure, high sodium intake, and sedentary lifestyle. When developing an individualized care plan for her, the nurse determines that the most important risk factors for PAD that need to be modified are a. weight and diet b. activity level and diet c. tobacco use and high BP d. sedentary lifestyle and high BP

A (Because the edema associated with venous insufficiency increases when the patient has been standing, shoes will feel tighter at the end of the day. The other patient statements are characteristic of peripheral artery disease (PAD).)

A 67-year-old patient is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of venous insufficiency. Which patient statement is most supportive of the diagnosis? a. "I can't get my shoes on at the end of the day." b. "I can't seem to ever get my feet warm enough." c. "I have burning leg pains after I walk two blocks." d. "I wake up during the night because my legs hurt."

D (The patient's history and clinical manifestations are consistent with acute arterial occlusion, and resting the leg will decrease the oxygen demand of the tissues and minimize ischemic damage until circulation can be restored. Elevating the leg or applying an elastic wrap will further compromise blood flow to the leg. Exercise will increase oxygen demand for the tissues of the leg.)

A 73-year-old patient with chronic atrial fibrillation develops sudden severe pain, pulselessness, pallor, and coolness in the right leg. The nurse should notify the health care provider and immediately a. apply a compression stocking to the leg. b. elevate the leg above the level of the heart. c. assist the patient in gently exercising the leg. d. keep the patient in bed in the supine position.

D (The nurse should assess for other clinical manifestations of peripheral arterial disease in a patient who describes intermittent claudication. Changes in skin color that occur in response to cold are consistent with Raynaud's phenomenon. Tortuous veins on the legs suggest venous insufficiency. Unilateral leg swelling, redness, and tenderness indicate venous thromboembolism (VTE).)

A patient at the clinic says, "I have always taken a walk after dinner, but lately my leg cramps and hurts after just a few minutes of starting. The pain goes away after I stop walking, though." The nurse should a. check for the presence of tortuous veins bilaterally on the legs. b. ask about any skin color changes that occur in response to cold. c. assess for unilateral swelling, redness, and tenderness of either leg. d. assess for the presence of the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses.

B (Difficulty swallowing may occur with a thoracic aneurysm because of pressure on the esophagus. The other symptoms will be important to assess for in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms.)

A patient has a 6-cm thoracic aortic aneurysm that was discovered during a routine chest x-ray. When obtaining an admission history from the patient, it will be most important for the nurse to ask about a. low back pain. b. trouble swallowing. c. abdominal tenderness. d. changes in bowel habits.

A (Current research indicates that statin use by patients with PAD improves multiple outcomes. There is no research that supports the use of the other medication categories in PAD.)

A patient in the outpatient clinic has a new diagnosis of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Which group of medications will the nurse plan to include when providing patient teaching about PAD management? a. Statins b. Antibiotics c. Thrombolytics d. Anticoagulants

B

A patient is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Which signs and symptoms would suggest that his aneurysm has ruptured.

D (Clinical signs of post-thrombotic syndrome include lipodermatosclerosis. In this situation, the skin on the lower leg becomes scarred, and the leg becomes tapered like an "inverted bottle." The other assessments would be done for patients with peripheral arterial disease.)

A patient is being evaluated for post-thrombotic syndrome. Which assessment will the nurse perform? a. Ask about leg pain with exercise. b. Determine the ankle-brachial index. c. Assess capillary refill in the patient's toes. d. Check for presence of lipodermatosclerosis.

A (The patient should avoid sitting for long periods because of the increased stress on the suture line caused by leg edema and because of the risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The other actions by the LPN/LVN are appropriate.)

A patient who is 2 days post-femoral-popliteal bypass graft to the right leg is being cared for on the vascular unit. Which action by a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) caring for the patient requires the registered nurse (RN) to intervene? a. The LPN/LVN has the patient sit in a chair for 90 minutes. b. The LPN/LVN assists the patient to walk 40 feet in the hallway. c. The LPN/LVN gives the ordered aspirin 160 mg after breakfast. d. The LPN/LVN places the patient in a Fowler's position for meals.

C (Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is used because of the immediate effect on coagulation and discontinued once the international normalized ratio (INR) value indicates that the warfarin has reached a therapeutic level. LMWH has no thrombolytic properties. The use of two anticoagulants is not related to the risk for pulmonary embolism, and two are not necessary to reduce the risk for another VTE. Furthermore, anticoagulants should not be described as blood thinners.)

A patient with a venous thromboembolism (VTE) is started on enoxaparin (Lovenox) and warfarin (Coumadin). The patient asks the nurse why two medications are necessary. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate? a. "Taking two blood thinners reduces the risk for another clot to form." b. "Lovenox will start to dissolve the clot, and Coumadin will prevent any more clots from forming." c. "Lovenox will work right away, but Coumadin takes several days to have an effect on preventing clots." d. "Because of the risk for a blood clot in the lungs, it is important for you to take more than one blood thinner."

C

A patient with ineffective endocarditis develops sudden left leg pain with pallor, paresthesia, and loss of peripheral pulses. The nurse's initial action should be to a. elevate the leg to promote venous return b. start anticoagulant therapy with IV heparin c. notify the physician of the change in peripheral perfusion d. place the bed in reverse Trendelenburg to promote perfusion

C (The patient's presentation is consistent with dissecting thoracic aneurysm, which will require rapid intervention. The other patients do not need urgent interventions.)

After receiving report, which patient admitted to the emergency department should the nurse assess first? a. 67-year-old who has a gangrenous left foot ulcer with a weak pedal pulse b. 58-year-old who is taking anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation and has black stools c. 50-year-old who is complaining of sudden "sharp" and "worst ever" upper back pain d. 39-year-old who has right calf tenderness, redness, and swelling after a long plane ride

A (Patients should avoid temperature extremes by exercising indoors when it is cold. To avoid burn injuries, the patient should use warm, rather than hot, water to warm the hands. Pseudoephedrine is a vasoconstrictor, and should be avoided. There is no reason to avoid taking NSAIDs with Raynaud's phenomenon.)

After teaching a patient with newly diagnosed Raynaud's phenomenon about how to manage the condition, which action by the patient demonstrates that the teaching has been effective? a. The patient exercises indoors during the winter months. b. The patient places the hands in hot water when they turn pale. c. The patient takes pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) for cold symptoms. d. The patient avoids taking nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

A (Because the patient appears to be experiencing aortic dissection, the nurse's first action should be to determine the hemodynamic status by assessing blood pressure. The other actions also may be done, but they will not provide information that will determine what interventions are needed immediately for this patient.)

An 80-year-old patient with a history of an abdominal aortic aneurysm arrives at the emergency department (ED) with severe back pain and absent pedal pulses. Which actions should the nurse take first? a. Obtain the blood pressure. b. Obtain blood for laboratory testing. c. Assess for the presence of an abdominal bruit. d. Determine any family history of kidney disease.

D (The purpose of elevating the feet is to enhance venous flow from the feet to the right atrium, which is best accomplished by placing two pillows under the feet and one under the thighs. Placing the patient in the Trendelenburg position will lower the head below heart level, which is not indicated for this patient. Placing pillows under the calf or elevating the bed at the knee may cause blood stasis at the calf level)

The health care provider has prescribed bed rest with the feet elevated for a patient admitted to the hospital with venous thromboembolism. Which action by the nurse to elevate the patient's feet is best? a. The patient is placed in the Trendelenburg position. b. Two pillows are positioned under the affected leg. c. The bed is elevated at the knee and pillows are placed under the feet. d. One pillow is placed under the thighs and two pillows are placed under the lower legs.

B (IM injections are avoided in patients receiving anticoagulation. A PTT of 65 seconds is within the therapeutic range. Vitamin K is used to reverse warfarin. Pulse quality is not affected by VTE.)

The health care provider prescribes an infusion of heparin (Hep-Lock) and daily partial thromboplastin time (PTT) testing for a patient with venous thromboembolism (VTE). The nurse will plan to a. decrease the infusion when the PTT value is 65 seconds. b. avoid giving any IM medications to prevent localized bleeding. c. monitor posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis pulses with the Doppler. d. have vitamin K available in case reversal of the heparin is needed.

B (Patients taking warfarin are taught to follow a consistent diet with regard to foods that are high in vitamin K, such as green, leafy vegetables. The other patient statements are accurate.)

The nurse has started discharge teaching for a patient who is to continue warfarin (Coumadin) following hospitalization for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The nurse determines that additional teaching is needed when the patient says which of the following? a. "I should get a Medic Alert device stating that I take Coumadin." b. "I should reduce the amount of green, leafy vegetables that I eat." c. "I will need routine blood tests to monitor the effects of the Coumadin." d. "I will check with my health care provider before I begin any new medications."

A (Lower extremity pulses may be absent for a short time after surgery because of vasospasm and hypothermia. Decreased or absent pulses together with a cool and mottled extremity may indicate embolization or graft occlusion. These findings should be reported to the physician immediately because this is an emergency situation. Because pulses are marked prior to surgery, the nurse would know whether pulses were present prior to surgery before notifying the health care providers about the absent pulses. Because the patient's symptoms may indicate graft occlusion or multiple emboli and a possible need to return to surgery, it is not appropriate to wait 15 minutes before taking action. A warming blanket will not improve the circulation to the patient's legs.)

The nurse is caring for a patient immediately after repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. On assessment, the patient has absent popliteal, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedis pulses. The legs are cool and mottled. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Notify the surgeon and anesthesiologist. b. Wrap both the legs in a warming blanket. c. Document the findings and recheck in 15 minutes. d. Compare findings to the preoperative assessment of the pulses.

C (The blood pressure is typically kept at less than 120 mm Hg systolic to minimize extension of the dissection. The nurse will need to notify the health care provider so that -blockers or other antihypertensive medications can be prescribed. The other findings are typical with aortic dissection and should also be reported but do not require immediate action.)

The nurse is caring for a patient with a descending aortic dissection. Which assessment finding is most important to report to the health care provider? a. Weak pedal pulses b. Absent bowel sounds c. Blood pressure 137/88 mm Hg d. 25 mL urine output over last hour

B (Bleeding is a possible complication after catheterization of the femoral artery, so the nurse's first action should be to assess for changes in vital signs that might indicate hemorrhage. The other actions are also appropriate but can be done after determining that bleeding is not occurring.)

The nurse is caring for a patient with critical limb ischemia who has just arrived on the nursing unit after having percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty. Which action should the nurse perform first? a. Begin oral intake. b. Obtain vital signs. c. Assess pedal pulses. d. Start discharge teaching.

C (Capillary refill is prolonged in PAD because of the slower and decreased blood flow to the periphery. The other listed clinical manifestations are consistent with chronic venous disease.)

The nurse performing an assessment with a patient who has chronic peripheral artery disease (PAD) of the legs and an ulcer on the right second toe would expect to find a. dilated superficial veins. b. swollen, dry, scaly ankles. c. prolonged capillary refill in all the toes. d. a serosanguineous drainage from the ulcer.

B

The patient at highest risk for VTE is a. a 62-year-old man with spider veins who is having arthroscopic knee surgery b. a 32-year-old woman who smokes, takes oral contraceptives, and is planning a trip to Europe c. a 26-year-old woman who is 3 days postpartum and received maintenance IV fluids for 12 hours during labor d. an active 72-year-old man at home recovering from trans-urethral resection of the prostate fro benign prostatic hyperplasia.

D

The recommended treatment for an initial VTE in an otherwise healthy person with no significant co-morbidities would include a. IV argatroban (Acova) as an inpatient b. IV unfractionated heparin as an inpatient c. subcutaneous unfractionated heparin as an outpatient d. subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin as an outpatient

B (Loose, bloody stools at this time may indicate intestinal ischemia or infarction, and should be reported immediately because the patient may need an emergency bowel resection. The other findings are normal on the first postoperative day after abdominal surgery.)

When caring for a patient on the first postoperative day after an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to communicate to the health care provider? a. Presence of flatus b. Loose, bloody stools c. Hypoactive bowel sounds d. Abdominal pain with palpation

B (Smoking cessation is essential for slowing the progression of PAD to critical limb ischemia and reducing the risk of myocardial infarction and death. Circulation to the legs will decrease if the legs are elevated. Patients with PAD are taught to exercise to the point of feeling pain, rest, and then resume walking. Support hose are not used for patients with PAD.)

When developing a teaching plan for a 76-year-old patient newly diagnosed with peripheral artery disease (PAD), which instructions should the nurse include? a. "Exercise only if you do not experience any pain." b. "It is very important that you stop smoking cigarettes." c. "Try to keep your legs elevated whenever you are sitting." d. "Put elastic compression stockings on early in the morning."

D (All of the factors contribute to the patient's risk, but only hypertension can potentially be modified to decrease the patient's risk for further expansion of the aneurysm.)

When discussing risk factor modification for a 63-year-old patient who has a 5-cm abdominal aortic aneurysm, the nurse will focus discharge teaching on which patient risk factor? a. Male gender b. Turner syndrome c. Abdominal trauma history d. Uncontrolled hypertension

B (Because the patient has impaired circulation and sensation to the feet, the use of a heating pad could lead to burns. The other patient statements are correct and indicate that teaching has been successful.)

When evaluating the discharge teaching for a patient with chronic peripheral artery disease (PAD), the nurse determines a need for further instruction when the patient says, "I will a. have to buy some loose clothes that do not bind across my legs or waist." b. use a heating pad on my feet at night to increase the circulation and warmth in my feet." c. change my position every hour and avoid long periods of sitting with my legs crossed." d. walk to the point of pain, rest, and walk again until the pain returns for at least 30 minutes 3 times a week."

C (The air bubble is not ejected before giving fondaparinux to avoid loss of medication. The other actions by the nurse are appropriate.)

Which action by a nurse who is giving fondaparinux (Arixtra) to a patient with a lower leg venous thromboembolism (VTE) indicates that more education about the drug is needed? a. The nurse avoids rubbing the injection site after giving the drug. b. The nurse injects the drug into the abdominal subcutaneous tissue. c. The nurse ejects the air bubble in the syringe before giving the drug. d. The nurse fails to assess the partial thromboplastin time (PTT) before giving the drug.

B (UAP training includes the use of equipment that requires minimal nursing judgment, such as sequential compression devices. Patient assessment and teaching require more education and critical thinking and should be done by the registered nurse (RN).)

Which actions could the nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who are providing care for a patient who is at risk for venous thromboembolism? a. Monitor for any bleeding after anticoagulation therapy is started. b. Apply sequential compression device whenever the patient is in bed. c. Ask the patient about use of herbal medicines or dietary supplements. d. Instruct the patient to call immediately if any shortness of breath occurs.

B, D

Which are probable clinical findings in a person with an acute lower extremity VTE (select all that apply)? a. Pallor and coolness of foot and calf b. Mild to moderate calf pain and tenderness c. grossly diminished or absent pedal pulses d. unilateral edema and induration of the thigh e. palpable cord along a superficial varicose vein

C (New onset dyspnea suggests a pulmonary embolus, which will require rapid actions such as oxygen administration and notification of the health care provider. The other findings are typical of VTE.)

Which assessment finding for a patient who has been admitted with a right calf venous thromboembolism (VTE) requires immediate action by the nurse? a. Erythema of right lower leg b. Complaint of right calf pain c. New onset shortness of breath d. Temperature of 100.4° F (38° C)

B, C, D

Which clinical manifestations are seen in patients with either Buerger's disease or Raynaud's phenomenon (select all that apply)? a. intermittent fevers b. sensitivity to cold temperatures c. gangrenous ulcers on fingertips d. color changes of fingers and toes e. episodes of superficial vein thrombosis

B (Because renal artery occlusion can occur after endovascular repair, the nurse should monitor parameters of renal function such as intake and output. Chest tubes will not be needed for endovascular surgery, the recovery period will be short, and there will not be an abdominal wound.)

Which nursing action should be included in the plan of care after endovascular repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm? a. Record hourly chest tube drainage. b. Monitor fluid intake and urine output. c. Check the abdominal incision for any redness. d. Teach the reason for a prolonged recovery period.

D (Assisting a patient who has already been taught how to cough is part of routine postoperative care and within the education and scope of practice for UAP. Patient teaching and assessment of essential postoperative functions such as circulation and movement should be done by RNs.)

Which nursing intervention for a patient who had an open repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm 2 days previously is appropriate for the nurse to delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? a. Monitor the quality and presence of the pedal pulses. b. Teach the patient the signs of possible wound infection. c. Check the lower extremities for strength and movement. d. Help the patient to use a pillow to splint while coughing.

D (Compression of the leg is essential to healing of venous stasis ulcers. High dietary intake of protein, rather than carbohydrates, is needed. Prophylactic antibiotics are not routinely used for venous ulcers. Moist dressings are used to hasten wound healing.)

Which topic should the nurse include in patient teaching for a patient with a venous stasis ulcer on the left lower leg? a. Need to increase carbohydrate intake b. Methods of keeping the wound area dry c. Purpose of prophylactic antibiotic therapy d. Application of elastic compression stockings

D (Cramping that is precipitated by a consistent level of exercise is descriptive of intermittent claudication. Finger pain associated with cold weather is typical of Raynaud's phenomenon. Shortness of breath that occurs with exercise is not typical of intermittent claudication, which is reproducible. Swelling associated with prolonged standing is typical of venous disease.)

While working in the outpatient clinic, the nurse notes that a patient has a history of intermittent claudication. Which statement by the patient would support this information? a. "When I stand too long, my feet start to swell." b. "I get short of breath when I climb a lot of stairs." c. "My fingers hurt when I go outside in cold weather." d. "My legs cramp whenever I walk more than a block."