Final answer:
The nurse should first assess the peripheral pulses to check for adequate blood flow. This is critical post-revascularization as pain similar to pre-procedure can indicate a re-occlusion or impaired perfusion, necessitating immediate action. Other interventions for comfort should follow after ensuring vascular integrity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best action for a nurse to take when a client reports pain in the affected limb after arterial revascularization is to: a. Assess the peripheral pulses in the limb. This assessment could provide immediate information about the blood flow to the limb and indicate if there is an occlusion or poor circulation post-procedure. Administering pain medication may be necessary, but not before the vascular status is assessed, because the pain could be a sign of re-occlusion or poor perfusion, which is a medical emergency. Elevating the limb on pillows or applying a warm blanket might provide comfort, but they are not priorities over assessing circulation.
Pulse can be palpated manually over several sites, such as the radial artery or the dorsalis pedis artery, depending on which limb is affected. If the pulses are diminished or absent, this is a sign of impaired circulation and requires immediate medical intervention. In addition, the nurse should be aware of other signs of poor perfusion such as cold skin, pallor, or a blue tinge indicating cyanosis.
Assessing the patient's pain and vascular status after a procedure like arterial revascularization is crucial because it can prevent complications. After the assessment, the nurse might need to communicate with the healthcare team to determine further steps, which could include adjusting a patient's care plan, ordering diagnostic tests, or preparing for possible reintervention.