Question

The nurse is unable to assess a pedal pulse in the client diagnosed with arterial occlusive disease. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

a. Complete a neuromuscular assessment.
b. Use the Doppler device.
c. Instruct the client to hang the feet off the side of the bed.
d. Wrap the legs in a blanket.

Answer 1

The nurse should first use a Doppler device to assess the pedal pulse in a client with arterial occlusive disease, as it provides immediate information on blood flow when a pulse cannot be palpated.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is unable to assess a pedal pulse in the client diagnosed with arterial occlusive disease. The first intervention that the nurse should implement is using a Doppler device to detect the peripheral pulse when it is not palpable. This will provide immediate, non-invasive information about the presence and quality of blood flow. While a neuromuscular assessment is also important in evaluating overall limb function, it is not the first step when a pulse cannot be detected. Instructing the client to hang the feet off the side of the bed or wrapping the legs in a blanket may help with comfort or circulation but does not address the immediate need to assess blood flow.