Immediately after repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a client has absent popliteal, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedis pulses. The legs are cool and mottled. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Many clients with aortic aneurysms also have peripheral arterial disease, so the nurse should check the preoperative assessment to determine whether pulses were present before surgery before notifying the health care providers about the absent pulses. Because the client's symptoms may indicate graft occlusion or multiple emboli and a possible need to return to surgery, it is not appropriate to wait 30 minutes before taking action. Warm blankets will not improve the circulation to the client's legs.

Immediately After Repair of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, a Client