A Patient with Circumferential Burns of Both Legs Develops a Decrease

question 11

Multiple Choice

A patient with circumferential burns of both legs develops a decrease in dorsalis pedis pulse strength and numbness in the toes.Which action should the nurse take?

• A) Notify the health care provider.
• B) Monitor the pulses every 2 hours.
• C) Elevate both legs above heart level with pillows.
• D) Encourage the patient to flex and extend the toes on both feet.

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Definitions:

Intravascular Dyes

Colorful substances injected into the vascular system to enhance the visualization of structures and processes during medical imaging techniques.

Hypothermic Fingers

A condition in which the fingers become extremely cold and possibly numb, often a result of prolonged exposure to cold temperatures affecting peripheral circulation.

Kussmaul's Respiration

A type of deep, labored breathing pattern associated with severe metabolic acidosis, particularly diabetic ketoacidosis.

Cheyne-Stokes

A pattern of breathing characterized by a gradual increase in depth followed by a decrease, resulting in temporary cessations of breathing typically associated with heart failure or neurological conditions.