Chapter 25: Drugs Used to Treat Peripheral Vascular Disease Clayton/Willihnganz: Basic Pharmacology for Nurses, 17th Edition

1. The nurse is assessing the patient’s leg for peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and is unable to palpate the pedal pulse in either foot. Which action will the nurse take first? a. Contact the health care provider for further orders. b. Request x-ray studies of the lower extremities. c. Request that the patient lie flat. d. Obtain a Doppler ultrasound device for auscultation. ANS: D The Doppler ultrasound device may aid in determining peripheral blood flow. This is not a sufficient cause to notify the health care provider and does not warrant radiologic examination without further assessment. Positioning will not affect the assessment of pedal pulses. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 394 OBJ: 1 TOP: Nursing Process Step: Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity NOT: CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Perfusion 2. What is the action of pentoxifylline (Trental), a hemorheologic agent used to treat chronic occlusive arteriole disease? a. Vasodilates the peripheral arteries b. Potentiates the blood-clotting mechanism c. Increases erythrocyte flexibility d. Increases blood viscosity ANS: C Pentoxifylline enhances red blood cell (erythrocyte) flexibility, which reduces blood viscosity. This allows for more blood to perfuse into the tissues. Muscle tissues become better oxygenated and intermittent claudication is reduced. Pentoxifylline does not cause vasodilation. Pentoxifylline acts to decrease clotting and decreases blood viscosity. DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 395 OBJ: 3 TOP: Nursing Process Step: Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity NOT: CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Perfusion; Clotting 3. Which assessment verifies increased blood perfusion to the lower extremities? a. Toes cool to the touch b. Decreased sensation below the knees c. Increased amplitude of pedal pul