While assessing a client's lower extremities,a nurse notices that one leg is pale and cooler to the touch.Which assessment should the nurse perform next?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Localized,decreased skin temperature and pallor indicate interference with vascular flow to the region.The nurse should assess bilateral pedal pulses to screen for vascular sufficiency.Without adequate blood flow,the client's limb could be threatened.Asking about a family history of skin problems would not take priority over assessing blood flow.Homans' sign is a screening tool for deep vein thrombosis and is often inaccurate.Skin turgor gives information about hydration status.This assessment may be needed but certainly does not take priority over assessing for blood flow.

While Assessing a Client's Lower Extremities,a Nurse Notices That One