A nurse is using the finger pads to palpate a patient's dorsalis pedis pulses and is unable to feel any pulses. Which action is appropriate for the nurse to perform next?
A) Document that the dorsalis pedis pulses are not palpable.
B) Have the patient stand and try again to palpate the pulses.
C) Use a Doppler to detect the presence of the pulses.
D) Palpate the dorsalis pedis pulses using the ulnar surface of the hand.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Use a Doppler to detect the presence of the pulses. The Doppler uses ultrasonic waves to detect difficult-to-hear vascular sounds, such as peripheral pulses. Document that the dorsalis pedis pulses are not palpable. Although the pulse may not be palpable, the nurse always tries a Doppler to determine if the pulse can be heard, even when it cannot be felt. Have the patient stand and try again to palpate the pulses. Changing positions will not facilitate palpation of a pulse. Palpate the dorsalis pedis pulses using the ulnar surface of the hand. The ulnar surface of the hand is used to palpate for vibrations rather than pulsations.

A Nurse Is Using the Finger Pads to Palpate a Patient's