Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

Which home health care instruction is most appropriate for a patient with arterial occlusive disease?

1. “You should massage your legs to relieve pain.”

2. “It's best to sit and rest for several hours a day.”

3. “Make sure the head of your bed is slightly elevated when sleeping.”

4. “It's best to wear tight socks instead of no socks.”

The correct answer is: “Make sure the head of your bed is slightly elevated when sleeping.”

The recommendation to keep the head of the bed slightly elevated when sleeping is appropriate for a patient with arterial occlusive disease because it can help facilitate better circulation and reduce discomfort associated with lower extremity ischemia. Elevating the head can assist in promoting venous return from the legs to the heart, potentially alleviating symptoms of edema and enhancing overall blood flow. Maintaining a slight elevation may also improve lung function and oxygenation during sleep, which is beneficial for patients who may be experiencing compromised peripheral circulation. As arterial occlusive disease impairs blood flow, managing symptoms effectively while promoting proper circulation is key to the patient’s care plan. The other options do not provide the most effective guidance for this condition. Massaging the legs can exacerbate pain and potentially harm fragile tissues in the setting of poor circulation. Sitting and resting for long periods without mobility can increase the risk of complications, such as blood clots. Lastly, wearing tight socks can constrict blood flow, which is counterproductive for those with arterial issues. Therefore, option C stands out as the most appropriate instruction for promoting better blood flow and comfort in patients with arterial occlusive disease.