HESI RN MED SURG
1. The nurse is assessing a 48-year-old client with a history of smoking during a
routine clinic visit. The client, who exercises regularly, reports having pain in the calf
during exercise that disappears at rest. Which of the following findings requires further evaluation?
1. Heart rate 57 bpm.
2. SpO2 of 94% on room air.
3. Blood pressure 134/82.
4. Ankle-brachial index of 0.65.
An Ankle-Brachial Index of 0.65 suggests moderate arterial vascular disease in a client who is
experiencing intermittent claudication. Normal ABI 1-1.4. A Doppler ultrasound is indicated for further
evaluation. The bradycardic heart rate is acceptable in an athletic client with a normal blood pressure.
The SpO2 is acceptable; the client has a smoking history.
2. A client with peripheral vascular disease has undergone a right femoral popliteal
bypass graft. The blood pressure has decreased from 124/80 to 94/62. What
should the nurse assess first?
1. IV fluid solution.
2. Pedal pulses.
3. Nasal cannula flow rate.
4. Capillary refill.
With each set of vital signs, the nurse should assess the dorsalis pedis and
posterior tibial pulses. The nurse needs to ensure adequate perfusion to the lower
extremity with the drop in blood pressure. IV fluids, nasal cannula setting, and capillary
refill are important to assess; however, priority is to determine the cause of drop in
blood pressure and that adequate perfusion through the new graft is maintained.
CN: Reduction of risk potential; CL: Analyze
,3. An overweight client taking warfarin (Coumadin) has dry skin due to decreased
,arterial blood flow. What should the nurse instruct the client to do? Select all that apply.
1. Apply lanolin or petroleum jelly to intact skin.
2. Follow a reduced-calorie, reduced-fat diet.- promote circulation by reducing weight.
3. Inspect the involved areas daily for new ulcerations.
4. Instruct the client to limit activities of daily living (ADLs).
5. Use an electric razor to shave.
1, 2, 3, 5. Maintaining skin integrity is important in preventing chronic ulcers and
infections. The client should be taught to inspect the skin on a daily basis. The client
should reduce weight to promote circulation; a diet lower in calories and fat is
appropriate. Because the client is receiving Coumadin, the client is at risk for bleeding
from cuts. To decrease the risk of cuts, the nurse should suggest that the client use an
electric razor. The client with decreased arterial blood flow should be encouraged to
participate in ADLs. In fact, the client should be encouraged to consult an exercise
physiologist for an exercise program that enhances the aerobic capacity of the body.
CN: Health promotion and maintenance; CL: Synthesize
4. The nurse is caring for a client with peripheral artery disease who has recently
been prescribed clopidogrel (Plavix). The nurse understands that more teaching is
necessary when the client states which of the following:
1. “I should not be surprised if I bruise easier or if my gums bleed a little when
brushing my teeth.”
2. “It doesn't really matter if I take this medicine with or without food, whatever
works best for my stomach.”
3. “I should stop taking Plavix if it makes me feel weak and dizzy.”
4. “The doctor prescribed this medicine to make my platelets less likely to stick
together and help prevent clots from forming.”
Weakness, dizziness, and headache are common adverse effects of Plavix and
the client should report these to the physician if they are problematic; in order to
decrease risk of clot formation, Plavix must be taken regularly and should not be
stopped or taken intermittently. The main adverse effect of Plavix is bleeding, which
often occurs as increased bruising or bleeding when brushing teeth. Plavix is well
, absorbed, and while food may help decrease potential gastrointestinal upset, Plavix may
be taken with or without food. Plavix is an antiplatelet agent used to prevent clot
formation in clients who have experienced or are at risk for myocardial infarction,
ischemic stroke, peripheral artery disease, or acute coronary syndrome.
CN: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies; CL: Evaluate
1. The nurse is assessing a 48-year-old client with a history of smoking during a
routine clinic visit. The client, who exercises regularly, reports having pain in the calf
during exercise that disappears at rest. Which of the following findings requires further evaluation?
1. Heart rate 57 bpm.
2. SpO2 of 94% on room air.
3. Blood pressure 134/82.
4. Ankle-brachial index of 0.65.
An Ankle-Brachial Index of 0.65 suggests moderate arterial vascular disease in a client who is
experiencing intermittent claudication. Normal ABI 1-1.4. A Doppler ultrasound is indicated for further
evaluation. The bradycardic heart rate is acceptable in an athletic client with a normal blood pressure.
The SpO2 is acceptable; the client has a smoking history.
2. A client with peripheral vascular disease has undergone a right femoral popliteal
bypass graft. The blood pressure has decreased from 124/80 to 94/62. What
should the nurse assess first?
1. IV fluid solution.
2. Pedal pulses.
3. Nasal cannula flow rate.
4. Capillary refill.
With each set of vital signs, the nurse should assess the dorsalis pedis and
posterior tibial pulses. The nurse needs to ensure adequate perfusion to the lower
extremity with the drop in blood pressure. IV fluids, nasal cannula setting, and capillary
refill are important to assess; however, priority is to determine the cause of drop in
blood pressure and that adequate perfusion through the new graft is maintained.
CN: Reduction of risk potential; CL: Analyze
,3. An overweight client taking warfarin (Coumadin) has dry skin due to decreased
,arterial blood flow. What should the nurse instruct the client to do? Select all that apply.
1. Apply lanolin or petroleum jelly to intact skin.
2. Follow a reduced-calorie, reduced-fat diet.- promote circulation by reducing weight.
3. Inspect the involved areas daily for new ulcerations.
4. Instruct the client to limit activities of daily living (ADLs).
5. Use an electric razor to shave.
1, 2, 3, 5. Maintaining skin integrity is important in preventing chronic ulcers and
infections. The client should be taught to inspect the skin on a daily basis. The client
should reduce weight to promote circulation; a diet lower in calories and fat is
appropriate. Because the client is receiving Coumadin, the client is at risk for bleeding
from cuts. To decrease the risk of cuts, the nurse should suggest that the client use an
electric razor. The client with decreased arterial blood flow should be encouraged to
participate in ADLs. In fact, the client should be encouraged to consult an exercise
physiologist for an exercise program that enhances the aerobic capacity of the body.
CN: Health promotion and maintenance; CL: Synthesize
4. The nurse is caring for a client with peripheral artery disease who has recently
been prescribed clopidogrel (Plavix). The nurse understands that more teaching is
necessary when the client states which of the following:
1. “I should not be surprised if I bruise easier or if my gums bleed a little when
brushing my teeth.”
2. “It doesn't really matter if I take this medicine with or without food, whatever
works best for my stomach.”
3. “I should stop taking Plavix if it makes me feel weak and dizzy.”
4. “The doctor prescribed this medicine to make my platelets less likely to stick
together and help prevent clots from forming.”
Weakness, dizziness, and headache are common adverse effects of Plavix and
the client should report these to the physician if they are problematic; in order to
decrease risk of clot formation, Plavix must be taken regularly and should not be
stopped or taken intermittently. The main adverse effect of Plavix is bleeding, which
often occurs as increased bruising or bleeding when brushing teeth. Plavix is well
, absorbed, and while food may help decrease potential gastrointestinal upset, Plavix may
be taken with or without food. Plavix is an antiplatelet agent used to prevent clot
formation in clients who have experienced or are at risk for myocardial infarction,
ischemic stroke, peripheral artery disease, or acute coronary syndrome.
CN: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies; CL: Evaluate
