During an assessment, the nurse is unable to palpate pulses in ...

[mrsjacobs44]

During an assessment, the nurse is unable to palpate pulses in the left lower leg. What should the nurse do next?
 
  a. Document that the pulses are nonpalpable.
  b. Reassess the pulses in 1 hour.
  c. Ask the patient turn to the side, and then palpate for the pulses again.
  d. Use a Doppler device to assess the pulses.

Question 2

During a morning assessment, the nurse notices that a patient's urine output is below the expected amount. What should the nurse do next?
 
  a. Obtain an order for a Foley catheter.
  b. Obtain an order for a straight catheter.
  c. Perform a bladder scan test.
  d. Refer the patient to an urologist.

[Cheesycrackers]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The nurse should be prepared to assess pulses in the lower extremities by Doppler measurement if they cannot be detected by palpation.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
If urine output is below the expected value, then the nurse should perform a bladder scan according to institutional policy to check for retention.