The nurse is caring for a postoperative client on the medical-surgical unit following a total left hip replacement the previous day. During the assessment, the nurse notes that the client's left leg is cool, with weak pedal pulses

What is the nurse's first action? a. Assess circulatory status of the right leg.
b. Notify the surgeon immediately.
c. Measure leg circumference at the calf.
d. Check for bilateral Homans' signs.


A
The symptoms may represent impaired circulation or may be normal for this client. Before the surgeon is notified, the status of the nonoperative leg should be assessed and assessment findings on both legs compared with the client's baseline. Homans' sign (pain in the calf on dorsiflexion of the foot) is not always indicative of a deep vein thrombosis and should not be evaluated until other assessments are made. Measuring calf circumference would provide additional data related to deep vein thrombosis.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

A registered nurse has been asked to join the ethics committee of the hospital

In considering this appointment, the nurse would recognize that the committee might be considering ethical situations including: Standard Text: Select all that apply. 1. Issuance of a "Do Not Resuscitate" (allow natural death) order on a child who has been determined brain dead against the wishes of the parents. 2. Determining if a minor child who disagrees with the parents about the treatment plan can make an informed decision. 3. Determining if a non-salvageable newborn can be used as an organ donor. 4. Investigating a medication error. 5. Consulting and intervening when parents are not in agreement on decisions of health care for their child.

Nursing

A pregnant patient was in an auto accident. She presents to the labor suite from the emergency department, where she presented with a deep gash to her forearm. She had no seat belt on and was traveling at a high rate of speed

She seems very agitated, is walking continuously, and is talking very rapidly. The nurse should suspect that the patient has what type of psychological disorder? 1. Schizophrenia 2. Bipolar, manic phase 3. Social anxiety disorder 4. Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Nursing

The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving a high dose of intravenous azithromycin to treat an infection

The patient is also taking acetaminophen for pain. The nurse should expect to review which lab values when monitoring for this drug's side effects? a. Complete blood counts b. Electrolytes c. Liver enzymes d. Urinalysis

Nursing

The individual with narcissistic personality disorder would MOST likely be described as:

a. arrogant, critical, and ruthless b. demanding, emotional, and labile c. disregarding the safety of self or others d. sexually provocative and seductive

Nursing