Patient Data Exhibits The client is being considered for discharge to home where he will continue to recover. The nurse reassesses the client and evaluates him for discharge readiness. For each body system, click to specify the assessment finding(s) that would indicate the client is ready for discharge to home. Each body system may support more than one finding. Each category must have at least one response option selected. Body system Findings Cardiovascular Pedal pulse of 2+ or better Blood pressure of 120/74 mm Hg Capillary refill of 4 seconds in lower extremities Neurovascular Skin that is pale, cool to touch Pupils equal and nonresponsive to light Absence of numbness or tingling in feet Renal Perfusion Creatinine of 1.2 mg/dL (106 mmol/L) Client has urine output of 1,600 mL in 24 hours Decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 9.8 mg/dL (3.50 mmol/L)

Rationale for Correct Choices • Pedal pulse of 2+ or better: A palpable pedal pulse rated at 2+ confirms adequate distal circulation and perfusion after an aortic aneurysm repair. It indicates that there is no vascular occlusion or ischemia in the lower extremities, which is crucial before discharge. • Blood pressure of 120/74 mm Hg: A stable and normotensive blood pressure demonstrates controlled hemodynamics, reducing stress on the repaired aorta. Maintaining systolic pressure below 140 mm Hg helps prevent postoperative complications such as graft rupture or re-bleeding. • Absence of numbness or tingling in feet: This finding confirms intact peripheral nerve function and adequate oxygenation to lower extremities. It rules out neurovascular compromise, which could result from graft compression or ischemia following aneurysm repair. • Creatinine of 1.2 mg/dL (106 mmol/L): A normal creatinine level indicates preserved renal function and adequate perfusion of the kidneys, which can be affected by hypotension or aortic cross-clamping during surgery. It supports discharge readiness since no renal impairment is evident. • Client has urine output of 1,600 mL in 24 hours: A urine output greater than 0.5 mL/kg/hr reflects sufficient renal perfusion and fluid balance. It shows that the kidneys are functioning well and that systemic circulation is stable. • Decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 9.8 mg/dL (3.50 mmol/L): BUN of 9.8 mg/dL is a normal value. For a client who was in an unstable state, a low, normal BUN suggests that the kidneys are adequately clearing waste products and that the client is well-hydrated, both of which support a safe discharge. Rationale for Incorrect Choices • Capillary refill of 4 seconds in lower extremities: A delayed capillary refill (greater than 3 seconds) signals poor peripheral perfusion or arterial insufficiency. This would be concerning after aneurysm repair and contraindicates discharge readiness. • Skin that is pale, cool to touch: Cool, pale skin suggests inadequate blood flow to the extremities, possibly due to vascular compromise or low cardiac output. The client would need further evaluation before discharge. • Pupils equal and nonresponsive to light: Nonreactive pupils indicate possible neurological impairment, hypoxia, or medication-related CNS depression. This finding would necessitate further neurologic assessment and delay discharge.