A Patient with Chronic Atrial Fibrillation Develops Sudden Severe Pain

question 30

Multiple Choice

A patient with chronic atrial fibrillation develops sudden severe pain, pulselessness, pallor, and coolness in the left leg. The nurse should notify the health care provider and

• A) elevate the left leg on a pillow.
• B) apply an elastic wrap to the leg.
• C) assist the patient in gently exercising the leg.
• D) keep the patient in bed in the supine position.

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Definitions:

Pons

A part of the brain located in the brainstem, connecting the medulla oblongata and the thalamus, playing a key role in controlling breathing, communication between different parts of the brain, and sensations such as hearing, taste, and balance.

Thalamus

Structure that acts as a relay station for sensory information heading to the cerebral cortex for interpretation; a subdivision of the diencephalon.

Hypothalamus

A region of the brain responsible for the regulation of many bodily functions, including temperature, hunger, and hormone release.

Trigeminal Nerves

The fifth cranial nerve responsible for sensory data such as tactition (pressure), thermoception (temperature), and nociception (pain) from the face and head; they also control the muscles for chewing.