Vascular Disorders

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

A

The nurse educates a primary HTN patient on lifestyle changes. Which ones should be included in her teaching? A. consume more fruits/veggies B. Monitor/lose weight C. Limit alchoholic drinks to 3 per day or less D. Regular exercise (walking) E. Limit sodium intake to 3200 mg per day

A, B, D

A patient presenting to the ER with a hypertensive crisis (BP greater than 180/120), may have damage to which of the following? A. Brain B. Kidney C. Liver D. Heart E. Stomach F. Eyes

A, B. D. F CVA retinopathy heart failure renal failure IV beta blocker will be ordered immediately for a pt in a hypertensive crisis

The silent killer, essential HTN, sometimes doesn't have obvious s/s, but some that may be reported by the patient include: Select All That Apply A. Dizziness B. Kidney disease C. Headache D. Syncope (fainting) E. Hot/flushed F. Nose bleed (epistaxis) G. Diabetes

A, C. D, E, F Kidney disease and diabetes are not s/s and are a factor in secondary HTN, not primary

Assessment of a patient's peripheral intravenous (IV) site reveals that phlebitis has developed over the past several hours. Which intervention should the nurse implement first? A. Remove the patient's IV catheter B. Apply an ice pack to the affected area C. Decrease the IV rate to 20 to 30 mL/hr D. Administer prophylactic anticoagulants

A. Remove the patient's IV catheter The priority intervention for superficial phlebitis is removal of the offending IV catheter. Decreasing the IV rate is insufficient. Anticoagulants normally are not required, and warm, moist heat often is therapeutic. Text Reference - p. 847 1

When assessing a patient with possible peripheral artery disease (PAD), the nurse obtains a brachial BP of 147/82 and an ankle pressure of 112/74. The nurse calculates the patient's ankle-brachial index (ABI) as ________ (round up to the nearest hundredth).

ANS: 0.76 The ABI is calculated by dividing the ankle systolic BP by the brachial systolic BP.

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.

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

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

ANS: 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 β-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.

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

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

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

ANS: 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.

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, C, D

Which of the following control systems play a major role in maintaining blood pressure? Select All That Apply A. Renovascular system B. Arterial baroreceptor system C. Regulation of body fluid volume D. Respiratory System E. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system F. Vascular autoregulation G. Pulmonary system

B, C, E, F

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

B, D

Which of the following does the nurse recognize as a contributing factor to high BP? A. decreased CO B. pulse rate of 100 C. increased afterload D. decreased stroke volume

C Increased afterload=increased PVR and BP = CO x PVR so if PVR increases then BP increases

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. d. applying elastic compression stockings.

D

During an assessment of a patient's abdomen, a pulsating abdominal mass is noted by the healthcare provider. Which of the following should be the healthcare provider's next action? A. Assess femoral pulses B. Obtain a bladder scan C. Measure the abdominal circumference D. Ask the patient to perform a Valsalva maneuver

A

The nurse in the cardiology clinic is reviewing teaching about hypertension, provided at the client's last appointment. Which actions by the client indicate that teaching has been effective? (Select all that apply.) A. Has maintained a low-sodium, no-added-salt diet B. Has lost 3 pounds since last seen in the clinic C. Cooks food in palm oil to save money D. Exercises once weekly E. Has cut down on caffeine

A, B, E Clients with hypertension should consume low-sodium foods and should avoid adding salt. Weight loss can result in lower blood pressure. Caffeine promotes vasoconstriction, thereby elevating blood pressure.

Mike, a 43-year old construction worker, has a history of hypertension. He smokes two packs of cigarettes a day, is nervous about the possibility of being unemployed, and has difficulty coping with stress. His current concern is calf pain during minimal exercise that decreased with rest. The nurse assesses Mike's symptoms as being associated with peripheral arterial occlusive disease. The nursing diagnosis is probably: a. Alteration in tissue perfusion related to compromised circulation b. Dysfunctional use of extremities related to muscle spasms c. Impaired mobility related to stress associated with pain d. Impairment in muscle use associated with pain on exertion.

A. Alteration in tissue perfusion related to compromised circulation

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

ANS: 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.

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.

ANS: 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).

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.

ANS: 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.

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.

ANS: 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.

An abdominal x-ray report of an obese patient indicates a pulsatile mass in the periumbilical area. Further diagnostic tests confirm that the patient has an abdominal aortic aneurysm (> 6 cm). The nurse recognizes that aneurysms in the early phase are often difficult to diagnose for what reasons? Select all that apply. 1 Abdominal aortic aneurysms are often asymptomatic 2 Abdominal aortic aneurysms often go undetected by routine examinations 3 Abdominal aortic aneurysms can only be diagnosed by specialized equipment 4 Abdominal aortic aneurysms may mimic the symptoms of other diseases 5 Obesity might influence the results of abdominal x-rays

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are often asymptomatic, and may mimic the pain associated with abdominal and back disorders. Detection of this disorder is more difficult in obese patients until the aorta becomes very large in size (>5.5 cm), as it can be hidden under thick layers of fat. The aneurysm may be identified during routine examinations of an unrelated problem. These are usually diagnosed when the patient undergoes evaluation for an unrelated problem. AAA can be easily detected through test x-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans. Text Reference - p. 842 1,4,5

What medications should the nurse expect to include in the teaching plan for the patient to decrease the risk of cardiovascular events and death for peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients? Select all that apply. 1 Ramipril (Altace) 2 Cilostazol (Pletal) 3 Simvastatin (Zocor) 4 Clopidogrel (Plavix) 5 Warfarin (Coumadin) 6 Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (e.g., ramipril) are used to control hypertension. Statins (e.g., simvastatin) are used for lipid management. Aspirin is used as an antiplatelet agent. Cilostazol is used for intermittent claudication, but it does not reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality risks. Clopidogrel may be used if the patient cannot tolerate aspirin. Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) are not recommended to prevent CVD events in PAD patients. Text Reference - p. 836 1,3,6

A patient is recovering from abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. After taking the patient's vital signs, which result would necessitate immediate action by the nurse? 1 Temperature 99.9 ºF (37.7 ºC) 2 Apical pulse rate 86 beats/minute 3 Respirations rate 16 per minute 4 Blood pressure 196/100.

Avoid severe hypertension, because it may cause undue stress on the arterial anastomoses, resulting in leakage of blood or rupture at the suture lines . A low-grade temperature is normal. A heart rate of 86 is normal and not a priority. Respirations of 16 are normal. Text Reference - p. 847 4

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? a. Sudden shortness of breath and hemoptysis b. Sudden, severe low back pain and bruising along his ankle c. Gradually increasing substernal chest pain and diaphoresis d. Sudden, patchy blue mottling on feet and toes and rest pain

B

For a client with an 8-cm abdominal aortic aneurysm, which problem must be addressed immediately to prevent rupture? A. Heart rate 52 beats/min B. Blood pressure 192/102 mm Hg C. Report of constipation D. Anxiety

B Elevated blood pressure can increase the rate of aneurysmal enlargement and risk for early rupture.

When administering furosemide (Lasix) to a client who does not like bananas or orange juice, the nurse recommends that the client try which intervention to maintain potassium levels? A. Increase red meat in the diet. B. Consume melons and baked potatoes. C. Add several portions of dairy products each day. D. Try replacing your usual breakfast with oatmeal or Cream of Wheat.

B Melons and baked potatoes contain potassium. Red meat is high in saturated fat and is to be consumed sparingly. Dairy products are high in calcium. Cereals are fortified with iron; oatmeal contains fiber but not potassium

Priority nursing measures after an 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 a 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.

C

A client with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has undergone percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of the lower extremity. What is essential for the nurse to assess after the procedure? A. Ankle-brachial index B. Dye allergy C. Pedal pulses D. Gag reflex

C Priority nursing care focuses on assessment for bleeding at the arterial puncture site and monitoring for distal pulses. Pulse checks must be assessed postprocedure to detect improvement (stronger pulses) or complications (diminished or absent pulses).

A nurse is assessing a patient for essential hypertension. She will expect him to report which symptom? A. Chest tightness B. Shortness of Breath C. No symptoms to report D. Anxious

C. Primary (essential) HTN is the silent killer and s/s are not obvious

After attempting lifestyle changes with no improvement in the HTN, the nurse should expect the physician to prescribe which medication first? A. Calcium Channel Blocker B. ARB C. Thiazide diuretic D. Renin inhibitor

C. Thiazide diuretic is the first med to give, sometimes will be combined with a beta blocker. This combo is done so a lower dose of each med can be given.

The nurse is monitoring a postoperative patient for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Which are probable clinical findings in a person with VTE? Select all that apply. 1 Venous distention 2 Vein appears as a palpable cord 3 Deep reddish color to the affected area 4 Itchiness and warmth over the affected area 5 Tenderness to pressure over the involved vein

Clinical findings for VTE include tenderness to pressure over involved vein, induration of overlying muscle, venous distention, edema, possible mild to moderate pain, and a deep reddish color to area caused by venous congestion. Itchiness and cord-like texture are characteristics of superficial venous thrombosis. Text Reference - p. 849 1,3,5

A patient is discharged from the hospital after undergoing femoral artery bypass surgery with synthetic graft replacement. The nurse reviews with the patient the signs and symptoms of acute arterial ischemia that occur with graft occlusion. Which is a sign of acute arterial occlusion? Select all that apply. 1 Pulse rate of 110 2 Leg is pale and white 3 Severe pain in the lower leg 4 Oral temperature of 38.2 º C 5 No hair growth on lower legs 6 Redness along the surgical incision

Clinical signs and symptoms of acute arterial ischemia are the "six Ps": pain, pallor, pulselessness, paresthesia, paralysis, and poikilothermia (leg is the temperature of the environment or cooler). A pale, white limb and severe pain are signs of acute arterial ischemia. A tachycardic heart rate of 110 and oral temperature of 38.2º C are consistent with an infection. No hair growth on legs occurs with chronic decreased circulation. A reddened incision is consistent with inflammation or infection. Text Reference - p. 838 2,3

The nurse is admitting a 68-year-old preoperative patient with a suspected abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The medication history reveals that the patient has been taking warfarin (Coumadin) on a daily basis. Based on this history and the patient's admission diagnosis, the nurse should prepare to administer which medication? a. Vitamin K b. Cobalamin c. Heparin sodium d. Protamine sulfate

Correct Answer: A Coumadin is a Vitamin K antagonist anticoagulant that could cause excessive bleeding during surgery if clotting times are not corrected before surgery. For this reason, vitamin K is given as the antidote for warfarin (Coumadin).

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

Correct answer: b Rationale: The initial goals of therapy for acute aortic dissection without complications are blood pressure (BP) control and pain management. BP control reduces stress on the aortic wall by reducing systolic BP and myocardial contractility.

The patient at highest risk for venous thromboembolism (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 her labor. d. an active 72-year-old man at home recovering from transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Correct answer: b Rationale: Three important factors (called Virchow's triad) in the etiology of venous thrombosis are (1) venous stasis, (2) damage of the endothelium (inner lining of the vein), and (3) hypercoagulability of the blood. Patients at risk for venous thrombosis usually have predisposing conditions for these three disorders (see Table 38-8). The 32-year-old woman has the highest risk: long trips without adequate exercise (venous stasis), tobacco use, and use of oral contraceptives. Note: The likelihood of hypercoagulability of blood is increased in women older than 35 years who use tobacco.

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.

D

The nurse is teaching a patient who has been newly diagnosed with Raynaud's phenomenon to avoid potential triggers, which include which of these? Select all that apply. 1 Wearing gloves 2 Drinking coffee 3 Exposure to heat 4 Emotional upsets 5 Cigarette smoking

Exposure to cold (not heat), emotional upsets, tobacco use, and caffeine often bring on symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon. Wearing gloves often is recommended to protect the hands from exposure to cold. Text Reference - p. 841 2,4,5

A patient experiences pain in the calf while exercising and reports that the pain disappears after a few minutes of resting. The nurse recognizes the finding as most consistent with: 1 Venous obstruction in the leg 2 Claudication resulting from venous abnormalities 3 Ischemia resulting from complete blockage of an artery 4 Ischemia resulting from partial blockage of an artery

Ischemia is a deficient supply of oxygenated arterial blood to tissue. A partial blockage creates an insufficient supply, and the ischemia may be apparent only during exercise, when oxygen needs increase. Claudication does not result from venous abnormalities. Ischemic pain would not disappear with a complete blockage of an artery in the leg; the pain would be constant. Text Reference - p. 835 4

A patient is scheduled to undergo surgery for repair of an aortic dissection. Which interventions should the nurse include in the preoperative care plan? Select all that apply. 1 Providing emotional support to the patient 2 Keeping the patient in bed in a supine position 3 Monitoring changes in peripheral pulses 4 Administering opioids and sedatives as prescribed 5 Managing pain and anxiety

Many patients are anxious before surgery, and the nurse should attempt to minimize this by providing emotional and psychological support to the patient. Peripheral pulses should be observed regularly to ensure preoperative stable condition. The nurse should administer opioids and sedatives as ordered to reduce pain and restlessness. Pain and anxiety may increase the blood pressure and heart rate, which may cause the dissection to extent. Therefore, the nurse should keep the patient relaxed and free of pain. The patient should be kept in a semi-Fowler's position to maintain the lowest possible levels of heart rate (less than 60 beats/minute) and systolic BP (less than 120 mm/Hg). These vital parameters help sustain vital organ perfusion. A flat position is not suitable for these patients as this cannot help maintain perfusion. Text Reference - p. 847 1,3,4,5

A nurse is providing care for a patient who is diagnosed with mild hypertension. The severity of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in the patient ranges between 0.90-0.71 and the ankle brachial index (ABI) measurement ranges between 1.00-1.40. In addition to a prescription for thiazides, what else will be included on the patient's treatment plan? Select all that apply. 1 Advising the patient to reduce dietary sodium 2 Advising the patient to exercise daily 3 Advising the patient to avoid a high cholesterol diet 4 Administering omeprazole (Prilosec) to prevent side effects of thiazides 5 Administering angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

The PAD severity range and a normal ABI ratio suggest that the patient has mild symptoms of the disease. The patient can be managed with diet restrictions and lifestyle changes. The patient should reduce the intake of sodium to prevent water retention. The patient should exercise daily to keep active and prevent weight gain. A high cholesterol diet should be avoided as it can worsen hypertension. The patient can be treated with the combination of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and low doses of thiazides. These two drugs act together to treat hypertension, which is the primary cause of PAD. Omeprazole is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease and does not abate the side effects of thiazides. Text Reference - p. 836 1,2,3,5

A diabetic patient is being discharged after distal peripheral bypass surgery below the knee. Which instructions should the nurse include when talking to the patient and caregiver before discharge? Select all that apply. 1 Encourage supervised exercise training. 2 Teach the importance of foot care. 3 Instruct the patient to stand and relax for several minutes between walks. 4 Instruct the patient to visit a podiatrist if required. 5 Ask the patient to wear pointed shoes with soft insoles.

The nurse should encourage supervised exercise training to improve a number of cardiovascular disease risk factors, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and glucose levels. Meticulous foot care is important to prevent infection, especially in a diabetic patient. Thick or overgrown toenails and calluses are potentially serious and require regular attention by a podiatrist. The patient should take several short walks a day and rest between activities but avoid prolonged standing. The patient should be encouraged to wear comfortable shoes with rounded toes and soft insoles. Text Reference - p. 839 1,2,4

A patient admitted to the health care facility with venous thromboembolism is prescribed unfractionated heparin, to be administered subcutaneously. Which interventions should the nurse follow during this procedure? Select all that apply. 1 Inject deep into abdominal fatty tissue. 2 Hold skinfold during injection. 3 Release skinfold after removing needle. 4 Avoid aspiration. 5 Rub site after injection.

When administering unfractionated heparin subcutaneously, the nurse should inject deep into the abdominal fatty tissue, hold the skinfold during injection but release before removing the needle, and avoid aspiration. The nurse should not inject intramuscularly, rub the site after injection, or aspirate. Text Reference - p. 851 1,2,4

The nurse is caring for a patient in the recovery area following a femoral-posterior tibial bypass graft. Which interventions should the nurse perform for the patient? Select all that apply. 1 Take ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurement. 2 Obtain palpable pulses. 3 Check sensation and movement. 4 Inspect operative extremity every 15 minutes. 5 Place the patient in a knee-flexed position.

When caring for the patient in the recovery area, the nurse should obtain palpable pulses, check sensation and movement of extremities, and inspect operative extremity every 15 minutes. Postoperative ABI measurements are not recommended, as they place the patient at risk for graft thrombosis. In the recovery area, the patient is not placed in a knee-flexed position; this position is adopted only during exercise 1 day postsurgery in the absence of complications. Text Reference - p. 838 2,3,4

A nurse is caring for a client who had a percutaneous insertion of an inferior vena cava filter and was on heparin therapy before surgery. The nurse would inspect the surgical site most closely for signs of: a. Thrombosis and infection b. Bleeding and infection c. Bleeding and wound dehiscence. d. Wound dehiscence and evisceration.

b. After inferior vena cava insertion, the nurse inspects the surgical site for bleeding and signs and symptoms of infection. Otherwise, care is the same as for any post-op client

A client comes to the outpatient clinic and tells the nurse that he has had legs pains that begin when he walks but cease when he stops walking. Which of the following conditions would the nurse assess for? a. An acute obstruction in the vessels of the legs b. Peripheral vascular problems in both legs c. Diabetes d. Calcium deficiency

b. Intermittent claudication is a condition that indicates vascular deficiencies in the peripheral vascular system. If an obstruction were present, the leg pain would persist when the client stops walking. Low calcium levels may cause leg cramps but would not necessarily be related to walking.

A nurse is assessing a client with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Which of the following assessment findings by the nurse is probably unrelated to the aneurysm? a. Pulsatile abdominal mass b. Hyperactive bowel sounds in that area c. Systolic bruit over the area of the mass d. Subjective sensation of "heart beating" in the abdomen.

b. Not all clients with abdominal aortic aneurysms exhibit symptoms. Those who do describe a feeling of the "heart beating" in the abdomen when supine or be able to feel the mass throbbing. A pulsatile mass may be palpated in the middle and upper abdomen. A systolic bruit may be auscultated over the mass. Hyperactive bowel sounds are not related specifically to an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Which technique is considered the gold standard for diagnosing DVT? a. Ultrasound imaging b. Venography c. MRI d. Doppler flow study

b. Venography

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? a.Sudden shortness of breath and hemoptysis b.Sudden, severe low back pain and bruising along his flank c.Gradually increasing substernal chest pain and diaphoresis d.Sudden, patchy blue mottling on feet and toes and rest pain

b.Sudden, severe low back pain and bruising along his flank The clinical manifestations of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm include severe back pain, back or flank ecchymosis (Grey Turner's sign), and hypovolemic shock (tachycardia, hypotension, pale clammy skin, decreased urine output, altered level of consciousness, and abdominal tenderness).

A client is admitted with a venous stasis leg ulcer. A nurse assesses the ulcer, expecting to note that the ulcer: a. Has a pale colored base b. Is deep, with even edges c. Has little granulation tissue d. Has brown pigmentation around it.

d. Venous leg ulcers, also called stasis ulcers, tend to be more superficial than arterial ulcers, and the ulcer bed is pink. The edges of the ulcer are uneven, and granulation tissue is evident. The skin has a brown pigmentation from accumulation of metabolic waste products resulting from venous stasis. The client also exhibits peripheral edema. (options 1, 2, and 3 is due to tissue malnutrition; and thus us an arterial problem)

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."

ANS: 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.

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.

ANS: 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 is caring for a client with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). For which symptoms does the nurse assess? A. Reproducible leg pain with exercise B. Unilateral swelling of affected leg C. Decreased pain when legs are elevated D. Pulse oximetry reading of 90%

A Claudication (leg pain with ambulation due to ischemia) is reproducible in similar circumstances. Unilateral swelling is typical of venous problems such as deep vein thrombosis. With PAD, pain decreases with legs in the dependent position. Pulse oximetry readings reflect the amount of oxygen bound to hemoglobin; PAD results from atherosclerotic occlusion of peripheral arteries.

The nurse caring for a client who has had abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair would be most alarmed by which finding? A. Urine output of 20 mL over 2 hours B. Blood pressure of 106/58 mm Hg C. Absent bowel sounds D. +3 pedal pulses

A Complications post AAA stent repair include bleeding, which may manifest as signs of hypovolemia and oliguria

A client has just undergone arterial revascularization. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching related to postoperative care? A. "My leg might turn very white after the surgery." B. "I should be concerned if my foot turns blue." C. "I should report a fever or any drainage." D. "Warmness, redness, and swelling are expected."

A Pallor is one of the signs of decreased perfusion along with increased pain, poikilothermia, paresthesia, pulselessness, and paralysis

The nurse is assigned to all of these clients. Which client should be assessed first? A. The client who had percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of the right femoral artery 30 minutes ago B. The client admitted with hypertensive crisis who has a nitroprusside (Nipride) drip and blood pressure of 149/80 mm Hg C. The client with peripheral vascular disease who has a left leg ulcer draining purulent yellow fluid D. The client who had a right femoral-popliteal bypass 3 days ago and has ongoing edema of the foot

A The client who had PTA should have checks of vascular status and vital signs every 15 minutes in the first hour after the procedure.

The nurse is examining a female patient who experiences leg edema and pain. What assessment findings indicate to the nurse that the patient is at a high risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE)? Select all that apply. 1 The patient is addicted to tobacco 2 The patient has been taking oral contraceptives 3 The patient has been taking aspirin daily for one year 4 The patient has a family history of VTE 5 The patient underwent peripheral artery disease (PAD) surgery

A 36-year old woman who uses oral contraceptives and tobacco is at high risk for VTE. These compounds may cause hypercoagulability and may activate the intrinsic coagulation pathway that leads to deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The risk increases if the patient has a family history of VTE, as the patient may carry the mutated genes responsible for the disease. PAD surgery has no direct relation to this disease, but if the endothelium is damaged during the surgery, it can initiate the coagulation cascade. Some medications, such as corticosteroids, may stimulate thrombus formation, but aspirin has shown no such tendency. Text Reference - p. 848 1,2,4,5

Which are risk factors that are known to contribute to atherosclerosis-related diseases? (Select all that apply.) A. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of 160 mg/dL B. Smoking C. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid [ASA]) consumption D. Type 2 diabetes E. Vegetarian diet

A, B, D Having an LDL-C value of less than 100 mg/dL is optimal; 100 to 129 mg/dL is near or less than optimal; with LDL-C 130 to 159 mg/dL (borderline high), the client is advised to modify diet and exercise. Smoking is a modifiable risk factor and should be avoided or terminated, and diabetes is a risk factor for atherosclerotic disease.

The patient understand that which of the following are factors that he can change to decrease his risk of HTN? Select All That Apply A. smoking B. family history C. Alcohol consumption D. increased LDL E. Sedentary lifestyle

A, C. D, E Pt can change all but his family history

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

ANS: 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 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."

ANS: 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).

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.

ANS: 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.

When 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 take first? a. Take the blood pressure and pulse rate. b. Check for the presence of pedal pulses. c. Assess the appearance of any ischemic ulcers. d. Start discharge teaching about antiplatelet drugs.

ANS: A 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 also are appropriate but can be done after determining that bleeding is not occurring. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: 876-877 OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

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

ANS: 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. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: 875-876 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 5. A patient with chronic atrial fibrillation develops sudden severe pain, pulselessness, pallor, and coolness in the left leg. The nurse should notify the health care provider and ANS: D The patient's history and clinical manifestations are consistent with acute arterial occlusion, and rest

The health care provider prescribes an infusion of argatroban (Acova) and a. avoid giving any IM medications to prevent localized bleeding. b. discontinue the infusion for PTT values greater than 50 seconds. c. monitor posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis pulses with the Doppler. d. have vitamin K available in case reversal of the argatroban is needed.

ANS: A IM injections are avoided in patients receiving anticoagulation. A PTT of 50 seconds is within the therapeutic range. Vitamin K is used to reverse warfarin. Pulse quality is not affected by VTE. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: 887 | 889-890 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

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.

ANS: 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.

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).

ANS: 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.

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.

ANS: 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.

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."

ANS: 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.

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.

ANS: 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.

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.

ANS: 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.

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.

ANS: 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 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

ANS: 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.

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

ANS: 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.

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."

ANS: 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.

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."

ANS: 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.

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)

ANS: 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.

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.

ANS: 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.

The nurse reviews the admission orders shown in the accompanying figure for a patient newly diagnosed with peripheral artery disease. Which admission order should the nurse question? a. Use of treadmill for exercise b. Referral for dietary instruction c. Exercising to the point of discomfort d. Combined clopidogrel and omeprazole therapy

ANS: D Because the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel is reduced when it is used with omeprazole, the nurse should clarify this prescription with the health care provider. The other interventions are appropriate for a patient with peripheral artery disease.

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

ANS: 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.

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."

ANS: 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.

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.

ANS: 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.

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.

ANS: 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 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.

ANS: 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.

When caring for a client with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), the nurse suspects dissection of the aneurysm when the client makes which statement? A. "I feel my heart beating in my abdominal area." B. "I just started to feel a tearing pain in my belly." C. "I have a headache. May I have some acetaminophen?" D. "I have had hoarseness for a few weeks."

B Severe pain of sudden onset in the back or lower abdomen, which may radiate to the groin, buttocks, or legs, is indicative of impending rupture of AAA.

The majority of people over 65 have PVD? A. True B. False

B. False

With peripheral arterial insufficiency, leg pain during rest can be reduced by: a. Elevating the limb above heart level b. Lowering the limb so it is dependent c. Massaging the limb after application of cold compresses d. Placing the limb in a plane horizontal to the body

B. Lowering the limb so it is dependent

A 40-year-old man tells the nurse he has a diagnosis for the color and temperature changes of his limbs, but can't remember the name of it. He says he must stop smoking and avoid trauma and exposure of his limbs to cold temperatures to get better. This description should allow the nurse to ask the patient if he has which diagnosis? 1 Buerger's disease 2 Venous thrombosis 3 Acute arterial ischemia 4 Raynaud's phenomenon

Buerger's disease is a nonatherosclerotic, segmental, recurrent inflammatory disorder of small and medium-sized vascular vessels of the upper and lower extremities, leading to color and temperature changes of the limbs, intermittent claudication, rest pain, and ischemic ulcerations. It primarily occurs in men younger than 45 years old with a long history of tobacco or marijuana use. Buerger's disease treatment includes smoking cessation, trauma and cold temperature avoidance, and a walking program. Venous thrombosis is the formation of a thrombus in association with inflammation of the vein. Acute arterial ischemia is a sudden interruption in arterial blood flow to a tissue caused by embolism, thrombosis, or trauma. Raynaud's phenomenon is characterized by vasospasm-induced color changes of the fingers, toes, ears, and nose. Text Reference - p. 840 1

Essential hypertension would be diagnosed in a 40-year-old male whose blood pressure readings were consistently at or above which of the following? A. 120/ 90 mm Hg. B. 130/ 85 mm Hg. C. 140/ 90 mm Hg. D. 160/ 80 mm Hg.

C American Heart Association standards define hypertension as a consistent systolic blood pressure level greater than 140 mm Hg and a consistent diastolic blood pressure level greater than 90 mm Hg.

Which teaching point does the nurse include for a client with peripheral arterial disease (PAD)? A. "Elevate your legs above heart level to prevent swelling." B. "Inspect your legs daily for brownish discoloration around the ankles." C. "Walk to the point of leg pain, then rest, resuming when pain stops." D. "Apply a heating pad to the legs if they feel cold."

C Exercise may improve arterial blood flow by building collateral circulation; instruct the client to walk until the point of claudication, stop and rest, and then walk a little farther.

The client undergoing femoral popliteal bypass states that he is fearful he will lose the limb in the near future. Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic? A. "Are you afraid you will not be able to work?" B. "If you control your diabetes, you can avoid amputation." C. "Your concerns are valid; we can review some steps to limit disease progression." D. "What about the situation concerns you most?"

C It is important to validate the client's concern and offer needed information. Asking the client if he is afraid may identify fear but does not allow the client to discuss his specific concern.

A 67-year-old man with peripheral artery disease is seen in the primary care clinic. Which symptom reported by the patient would indicate to the nurse that the patient is experiencing intermittent claudication? a Patient complains of chest pain with strenuous activity. b Patient says muscle leg pain occurs with continued exercise. c Patient has numbness and tingling of all his toes and both feet. d Patient states the feet become red if he puts them in a dependent position.

Correct Answer: B Intermittent claudication is an ischemic muscle ache or pain that is precipitated by a consistent level of exercise, resolves within 10 minutes or less with rest, and is reproducible. Angina is the term used to describe chest pain with exertion. Paresthesia is the term used to describe numbness or tingling in the toes or feet. Reactive hyperemia is the term used to describe redness of the foot; if the limb is in a dependent position the term is dependent rubor.

Which person should the nurse identify as having the highest risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm? a A 70-year-old male, with high cholesterol and hypertension b A 40-year-old female with obesity and metabolic syndrome c A 60-year-old male with renal insufficiency who is physically inactive d A 65-year-old female with hyperhomocysteinemia and substance abuse

Correct Answer: A The most common etiology of descending abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is atherosclerosis. Male gender, age 65 years or older, and tobacco use are the major risk factors for AAAs of atherosclerotic origin. Other risk factors include the presence of coronary or peripheral artery disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

The patient reports tenderness when the patient touches the leg over a vein. The nurse assesses warmth and a palpable cord in the area. The nurse knows the patient needs treatment to prevent what? A. Pulmonary embolism B. Pulmonary hypertension C. Postthrombotic syndrome D. Venous thromboembolism

D. The clinical manifestations are characteristic of a superficial vein thrombosis. If untreated, the clot may extend to deeper veins and venous thromboembolism may occur. Pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, and postthrombotic syndrome are the sequelae of venous thromboembolism. Text Reference - p. 849

The patient had aortic aneurysm repair. What priority nursing action will the nurse use to maintain graft patency? a Assess output for renal dysfunction. b Use IV fluids to maintain adequate BP. c Use oral antihypertensives to maintain cardiac output. d Maintain a low BP to prevent pressure on surgical site

Correct Answer: B Rationale: The priority is to maintain an adequate BP (determined by the surgeon) to maintain graft patency. A prolonged low BP may result in graft thrombosis, and hypertension may cause undue stress on arterial anastomoses resulting in leakage of blood or rupture at the suture lines, which is when IV antihypertensives may be used. Renal output will be assessed when the aneurysm repair is above the renal arteries to assess graft patency, not maintain it.

A male patient was admitted for a possible ruptured aortic aneurysm, but had no back pain. Ten minutes later his assessment includes the following: sinus tachycardia at 138, BP palpable at 65 mm Hg, increasing waist circumference, and no urine output. How should the nurse interpret this assessment about the patient's aneurysm? a Tamponade will soon occur. b The renal arteries are involved. c Perfusion to the legs is impaired. d He is bleeding into the abdomen.

Correct Answer: D Rationale: The lack of back pain indicates the patient is most likely exsanguinating into the abdominal space, and the bleeding is likely to continue without surgical repair. A blockade of the blood flow will not occur in the abdominal space as it would in the retroperitoneal space where surrounding anatomic structures may control the bleeding. The lack of urine output does not indicate renal artery involvement, but that the bleeding is occurring above the renal arteries, which decreases the blood flow to the kidneys. There is no assessment data indicating decreased perfusion to the legs.

A patient with infective endocarditis develops sudden left leg pain with pallor, paresthesia, and a 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.

Correct answer: c Rationale: The patient has potentially developed acute arterial ischemia (sudden interruption in the arterial blood supply to the extremity), caused by an embolism from a cardiac thrombus that occurred as a complication of infective endocarditis. Clinical manifestations of acute arterial ischemia include any or all of the six Ps : pain, pallor, paralysis, pulselessness, paresthesia, and poikilothermia. Without immediate intervention, ischemia may progress quickly to tissue necrosis and gangrene within a few hours. If the nurse detects these signs, the physician should be notified immediately

Which client who has just arrived in the emergency department does the nurse classify as emergent and needing immediate medical evaluation? A. A 60-year-old with venous insufficiency who has new-onset right calf pain and tenderness B. A 64-year-old with chronic venous ulcers who has a temperature of 100.1° F (37.8° C) C. A 69-year-old with a 40-pack-year cigarette history who is reporting foot numbness D. A 70-year-old with a history of diabetes who has "tearing" back pain and is diaphoretic

D The 70-year-old's history and clinical manifestations suggest possible aortic dissection. The nurse will immediately assess the client's blood pressure and plan for IV antihypertensive therapy, rapid diagnostic testing, and possible transfer to surgery

The nurse suspects that a client has developed an acute arterial occlusion of the right lower extremity based on which signs/symptoms? (Select all that apply.) A. Hypertension B. Tachycardia C. Bounding right pedal pulses D. Cold right foot E. Numbness and tingling of right foot F. Mottling of right foot and lower leg

D, E, F Pain, pallor, pulselessness, paresthesia, paralysis, poikilothermia (cool limb), and mottled color are characteristics of acute arterial occlusion.

The nurse is preparing to administer a scheduled dose of enoxaparin (Lovenox) 30 mg subcutaneously. What should the nurse do to administer this medication correctly? A Remove the air bubble in the prefilled syringe. B Aspirate before injection to prevent intravenous (IV) administration. C Rub the injection site after administration to enhance absorption. D Pinch the skin between the thumb and forefinger before inserting the needle.

D. The nurse should gather together or "bunch up" the skin between the thumb and the forefinger before inserting the needle into the subcutaneous tissue. The nurse should not remove the air bubble in the prefilled syringe, aspirate, or rub the site after injection. Text Reference - p. 855

A significant cause of venous thrombosis is: a. Altered blood coagulation b. Stasis of blood c. Vessel wall injury d. All of the above

D. All

The nurse would determine that the patient is not receiving the beneficial effects of enoxaparin (Lovenox) after noting which finding during a routine shift assessment? A. Generalized weakness B. Abdominal pain C. Crackles bilaterally in the lung bases D. Swelling of the right leg

D. Swelling of the right leg Enoxaparin is a low-molecular weight heparin used to prevent the development of deep-vein thromboses in the postoperative period. Homans' sign (pain in the calf on dorsiflexion of the foot) can indicate development of deep-vein thrombosis and may signal ineffective medication therapy. Generalized weakness, crackles in the lungs, and abdominal pain do not indicate lack of effectiveness of this anticoagulant. Text Reference - p. 849

A patient presents with claudication, pain in the legs and numbness of the feet. The patient is diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The nurse expects that what will be included in the patient's treatment plan? Select all that apply. 1 Antiplatelet therapy 2 Exercise therapy 3 Nutritional therapy 4 Sympathectomy 5 Calcium channel blockers

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) involves thickening of the arterial walls and progressive narrowing of the lumen of the arteries. This leads to compromised circulation to the upper and lower extremities. Antiplatelet therapy with aspirin is the primary therapy to prevent risk of cardiovascular disease. Exercise therapy is useful in preventing and managing claudication. Nutritional therapy aims at maintaining a healthy weight through a well-balanced diet. Maintaining a body mass index (BMI) is less than 25 kg/m2 helps to reduce the risk factors and prevent worsening of PAD. Sympathectomy is a procedure that involves transection of a nerve, ganglion, or plexus of the sympathetic nervous system to relieve pain associated with Buerger's disease. Sustained-release calcium channel blockers are used in Raynaud's disease. Text Reference - p. 836 1,2,3

A 55-year-old man weighs 115 kg and has a history of tobacco use, high blood pressure, and a sedentary lifestyle. When developing a plan of care for this patient, the nurse recalls that the most important risk factor for peripheral artery disease (PAD) includes which of these? 1 Tobacco use 2 Excess weight 3 Sedentary lifestyle 4 High blood pressure.

Significant risk factors for PAD include tobacco use, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, elevated C-reactive protein, and uncontrolled hypertension , with the most important being tobacco use. Excess weight, sedentary lifestyle, and high blood pressure are not significant risk factors for PAD. Text Reference - p. 835 1

A patient is diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). When developing the plan of treatment, in which order should the nurse perform interventions to provide the most effective care to the patient? 1. Choose an appropriate compression therapy 2. Evaluate the efficiency of interventions on a regular basis 3. Teach the patient about the significance of a balanced diet 4. Assess the patient to determine the severity level of the disease

The nurse should assess the patient before determining any treatment plan. Most patients suffering with CVI can be treated by conventional methods. These methods include applying moisturizer to prevent itching and cracking of the skin, and starting a balanced diet that includes proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and micronutrients to boost immunity and improve the healing process. In more severe cases, compression therapy can be started; however, each patient should be evaluated before the nurse determines the type of therapy. If the patient has peripheral arterial disease, a high level of compression should not be used, as it may induce extra pressure on arteries. This therapy is used to heal venous ulcers and to prevent recurrence. Routine evaluations are desirable to check the efficiency of the therapy. Text Reference - p. 858 1,3,2,4

The nurse is reviewing discharge instructions with a patient who is taking warfarin (Coumadin) as treatment for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Which substances will the patient need to avoid while taking warfarin? Select all that apply. 1 Aspirin 2 Gingko biloba 3 Fish oil supplements 4 Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 5 Foods containing vitamin K

The patient on oral anticoagulants needs to be taught to avoid taking aspirin, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), fish oil supplements, garlic supplements, ginkgo biloba, and certain antibiotics. Acetaminophen can be taken with oral anticoagulants. Foods containing vitamin K can be eaten as long as the intake of these foods is consistent. Text Reference - p. 854 1,2,3

The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results for a patient whose warfarin (Coumadin) therapy was terminated during the preoperative period. The nurse concludes that the patient is in the most stable condition for surgery after noting which international normalized ratio (INR) results? 1 1 2 1.8 3 2.7 4 3.4

The therapeutic range for INR is 2.0 to 3.0 for many clinical diagnoses. The larger the number, the greater the amount of anticoagulation. For this reason, the safest value before surgery is 1.0, meaning that the anticoagulation has been reversed. 1.8, 2.7, and 3.4 are higher values, indicating an increased risk of bleeding. Text Reference - p. 852 1

After assessing a patient, the nurse identifies that the patient is in the initial stage of Raynaud's disorder. Which symptom most likely supports the nurse's observation? 1 Throbbing, tingling, and swelling of the limbs 2 Chronic ischemic pain and ulcers on both feet 3 Hypertension, hyperglycemia, and inflamed arteries 4 Color changes of fingers and toes from white to blue to red

The vasospasm-induced color changes (from white to blue to red) of fingers, toes, ears, and nose are the phenomenal characteristics of Raynaud's disorder. Decreased perfusion leads to pallor (white), followed by cyanotic (bluish purple) digits that further turn red when blood flow is restored. In the later phases of the disease, the patient may complain about numbness and coldness along with throbbing, tingling, and swelling. Chronic ischemic pain and ulceration may indicate peripheral artery disease, whereas hypertension, hyperglycemia, and inflamed arteries may indicate one or more cardiovascular disorders. Further diagnostic tests are desirable to confirm the disease. Text Reference - p. 840 4

A female patient with critical limb ischemia has had peripheral artery bypass surgery to improve her circulation. What care should the nurse provide on postoperative day 1? 1 Keep the patient on bed rest 2 Assist the patient with walking several times 3 Have the patient sit in the chair several times 4 Place the patient on her side with knees flexed

To avoid blockage of the graft or stent, the patient should walk several times on postoperative day 1 and subsequent days. Having the patient's knees flexed for sitting in a chair or in bed increase the risk of venous thrombosis and may place stress on the suture lines. Text Reference - p. 836 2

A nurse is assessing the neurovascular status of a client who returned to the surgical nursing unit 4 hours ago after undergoing aortoiliac bypass graft. The affected leg is warm, and the nurse notes redness and edema. The pedal pulse is palpable and unchanged from admission. The nurse interprets that the neurovascular status is: a. Normal because of the increased blood flow through the leg b. Slightly deteriorating and should be monitored for another hour c. Moderately impaired, and the surgeon should be called. d. Adequate from the arterial approach, but venous complications are arising.

a. An expected outcome of surgery is warmth, redness, and edema in the surgical extremity because of increased blood flow. Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect interpretations.

In preparation for discharge of a client with arterial insufficiency and Raynaud's disease, client teaching instructions should include: a. Walking several times each day as an exercise program. b. Keeping the heat up so that the environment is warm c. Wearing TED hose during the day d. Using hydrotherapy for increasing oxygenation

b. The client's instructions should include keeping the environment warm to prevent vasoconstriction. Wearing gloves, warm clothes, and socks will also be useful when preventing vasoconstriction, but TED hose would not be therapeutic. Walking would most likely increase pain.

A 24-year old man seeks medical attention for complaints of claudication in the arch of the foot. A nurse also notes superficial thrombophlebitis of the lower leg. The nurse would next assess the client for: a. Familial tendency toward peripheral vascular disease b. Smoking history c. Recent exposures to allergens d. History of insect bites

b. The mixture of arterial and venous manifestations (claudication and phlebitis, respectively) in the young male client suggests Buerger's disease. This is an uncommon disorder characterized by inflammation and thrombosis of smaller arteries and veins. This disorder typically is found in young adult males who smoke. The cause is not known precisely but is suspected to have an autoimmune component.

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

b.Mild to moderate calf pain and tenderness d.Unilateral edema and induration of the thigh The patient with lower extremity venous thromboembolism (VTE) may or may not have unilateral leg edema, extremity pain, a sense of fullness in the thigh or calf, paresthesias, warm skin, erythema, or a systemic temperature greater than 100.4 F (38 C). If the calf is involved, it may be tender to palpation.

Varicose veins can cause changes in what component of Virchow's triad? a. Blood coagulability b. Vessel walls c. Blood flow d. Blood viscosity

c. Blood flow

Which of the following characteristics is typical of the pain associated with DVT? a. Dull ache b. No pain c. Sudden onset d. Tingling

c. DVT is associated with deep leg pain of sudden onset, which occurs secondary to the occlusion. A dull ache is more commonly associated with varicose veins. A tingling sensation is associated with an alteration in arterial blood flow. If the thrombus is large enough, it will cause pain.

A 50-year-old woman weighs 95 kg 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 peripheral artery disease (PAD) that need to be modified are a.weight and diet. b.activity level and diet. c.tobacco use and high blood pressure. d.sedentary lifestyle and high blood pressure.

c. tobacco use and high blood pressure Significant risk factors for peripheral artery disease include tobacco use, hyperlipidemia, elevated levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, diabetes mellitus, and uncontrolled hypertension; the most important is tobacco use. Other risk factors include family history, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, increasing age, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and stress.