Question

the nurse palpates the clients dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial in the right lower extremity and determines that they cannot be felt. what is the priority nursing action? answers: a - d a ask a colleague to palpate the areas and document the colleagues findings. b document the finding in the clients chart. c assess the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial using a doppler. d place a warm towel on the clients foot to promote vasodilation.

Explanation:

When the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses cannot be palpated, using a doppler to assess them is the priority. A doppler can detect blood - flow more accurately than palpation alone. Asking a colleague to palpate (A) is not the first step as it doesn't add a more definitive assessment method. Documenting the finding (B) is important but not the immediate action. Applying a warm towel (D) may be a later measure for vasodilation but not the initial action to determine the presence or absence of blood - flow.

Answer:

C. Assess the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial using a doppler.