A patient with peripheral arterial disease suddenly develops severe pain in one leg. The foot is pale and cool, and the dorsalis pedis pulse cannot be felt. What should the nurse do first?
Correct answer: A. Notify the provider or vascular team urgently
- A. Notify the provider or vascular team urgently
- B. Elevate the leg above the level of the heart
- C. Apply a heated pad to improve blood flow
- D. Encourage walking to stimulate circulation
Explanation
Sudden pain, pallor, coolness, and an absent pulse indicate possible acute limb ischaemia, which requires immediate escalation. Elevation, heat, and walking may further compromise tissue or delay urgent vascular treatment.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
About Clinical Judgement and Prioritisation
Clinical judgement links assessment findings, nursing knowledge and patient responses to a safe decision. Coverage includes ABCDE assessment, recognising actual or potential instability, prioritising airway, breathing and circulation, using urgency and risk rather than routine order, reassessing after intervention, and distinguishing a nursing priority from a medical diagnosis or a task that can wait.
Practise Clinical Judgement and Prioritisation
50 free Clinical Judgement and Prioritisation MCQs from International Nursing Practice, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask International Nursing Practice questions like this
International Nursing Practice is on 2 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Clinical Judgement and Prioritisation questions
A patient has a nasogastric tube connected to low suction. The patient develops increasing abdominal distension and nausea, and no drainage appears in the collection container. What should the nurse do first?
A nurse realises that a patient received 10 units of rapid-acting insulin instead of the prescribed 4 units. The patient is currently awake and has no symptoms. What should the nurse do first?
A patient has a severe headache, fever, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to light. The patient is alert with a stable airway and breathing pattern. What should the nurse do first?
A patient reports severe eye pain, nausea, and coloured halos around lights several hours after eye surgery. What should the nurse do first?
A patient with a newly created colostomy becomes pale and weak. The stoma is dusky, cool, and no longer produces output. What should the nurse do first?