A nurse is assessing the neurovascular status of a patient who has had a leg cast recently applied
The nurse is unable to palpate the patient's dorsalis pedis or posterior tibial pulse and the patient's foot is pale. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?
A) Warm the patient's foot and determine whether circulation improves.
B) Reposition the patient with the affected foot dependent.
C) Reassess the patient's neurovascular status in 15 minutes.
D) Promptly inform the primary care provider.
Ans: D
Feedback:
Signs of neurovascular dysfunction warrant immediate medical follow-up. It would be unsafe to delay. Warming the foot or repositioning the patient may be of some benefit, but the care provider should be informed first.
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