The nurse is assessing the pulses of a patient who has been ...

[Frost2351]

The nurse is assessing the pulses of a patient who has been admitted for untreated hyperthyroidism. The nurse should expect to find a(n) _______ pulse.
 
  a. Normal
  b. Absent
  c. Bounding
  d. Weak, thready

Question 2

When performing a peripheral vascular assessment on a patient, the nurse is unable to palpate the ulnar pulses. The patient's skin is warm and capillary refill time is normal. Next, the nurse should:
 
  a. Check for the presence of claudication.
  b. Refer the individual for further evaluation.
  c. Consider this finding as normal, and proceed with the peripheral vascular evaluation.
  d. Ask the patient if he or she has experienced any unusual cramping or tingling in the arm.

[Ahnyah]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
A full, bounding pulse occurs with hyperkinetic states (e.g., exercise, anxiety, fever), anemia, and hyperthyroidism. An absent pulse occurs with occlusion. Weak, thready pulses occur with shock and peripheral artery disease.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Palpating the ulnar pulses is not usually necessary. The ulnar pulses are not often palpable in the normal person. The other responses are not correct.