The nurse cannot palpate a client's pedal pulse following an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) procedure for a fractured tibia. Which action is the priority intervention?
1. Use a Doppler to find the pedal pulse.
2. Notify the surgeon of the problem.
3. Check the lower extremity for pallor.
4. Assess the client's pain rating.
Use a Doppler to find the pedal pulse.
Rationale: To assess if circulation is present when the pulse is not palpable, the nurse should use a Doppler. Notifying the surgeon should occur once all assessment data are collected; this would include the presence of pallor and pain.
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