Author Question: The nurse is assessing vital signs for a client after a surgical procedure on the left leg. IV ... (Read 29 times)

torybrooks · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is assessing vital signs for a client after a surgical procedure on the left leg. IV fluids are infusing. It would be most important for the nurse to:

a. Compare the left pedal pulse with the right pedal pulse
b. Count the client's respiratory rate for 1 full minute
c. Take the blood pressure in the arm without an IV
d. Take an oral temperature with an electronic thermometer

Question 2

A client's vital signs at the beginning of the shift are as follows:

oral temperature 99.3F (37C), heart rate 82 beats/min, respiratory rate 14 breaths/min, and blood pressure 118/76 mm Hg. Four hours later, the client's oral temperature is 102.3F (39.1C). Based on the temperature change, the nurse should anticipate the client's heart rate would be how many beats/min?
a. 62
b. 82
c. 102
d. 122

sailorcrescent · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
For a client having surgery on the leg, the most important data would be whether the circulation has been compromised because of the surgery. This assessment can be made only by comparing one leg with the other. The nurse would, of course, count the respiratory rate for 1 full minute and take the BP in the arm without the IV. Oral temperatures are commonly obtained using electronic thermometers.

Answer to Question 2

C
Heart rate increases about 10 beats/min for each degree Fahrenheit of temperature to meet increased metabolic needs and compensate for peripheral dilation.