Author Question: A 70-year-old male client presents to the emergency department complaining of pain in his calf that ... (Read 141 times)

Frost2351 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A 70-year-old male client presents to the emergency department complaining of pain in his calf that is exacerbated when he walks.

His pedal and popliteal pulses are faintly palpable, and his leg distal to the pain is noticeably reddened. The nurse knows that the client is likely experiencing which of the following medical diagnosis/possible treatment plans listed below?
A)
Acute arterial occlusion that will be treated with angioplasty
B)
Raynaud disease that will require antiplatelet medications
C)
Atherosclerotic occlusive disease necessitating thrombolytic therapy
D)
Giant cell temporal arteritis that will be treated with corticosteroids

Question 2

A patient arrives at the ED complaining of numbness in the left lower leg.

Upon assessment, the nurse finds the lower left leg to be cold to touch, pedal and posterior tibial pulses nonpalpable, and a sharp line of paralysis/paresthesia. The nurse's next action is based on the fact that
A)
acute arterial occlusion is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention to restore blood flow.
B)
submersion in a whirlpool with warm water will improve the venous blood flow and restore pulses.
C)
the immediate infusion of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) will not correct the problem and should only be used for CVAs.
D)
administration of an aspirin and sublingual nitroglycerin will vasodilate the artery to restore perfusion.

wtf444 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans:
C

Feedback:

The client's symptoms of calf pain with intermittent claudication and diminished pulses are the hallmarks of atherosclerotic occlusive disease. These signs and symptoms are not as closely associated with acute arterial occlusion or giant cell temporal arteritis and are not related to Raynaud disease.

Answer to Question 2

Ans:
A

Feedback:

The presentation of acute arterial embolism is often described as that of the seven P's: pistol shot, pallor, polar, pulselessness, pain, paresthesia, and paralysis. Treatment is aimed at restoring blood flow. Embolectomy, thrombolytic therapy, and anticoagulant therapy (heparin) are usually given. Application of cold should be avoided.