Final answer:
To check for local obstruction, a nurse should assess the pulse's strength and rate proximal to the suspected area. A weak or absent pulse suggests an impediment to blood flow, such as an obstruction. Comparison with the unaffected limb can further indicate the presence of an obstruction.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing for evidence of local obstruction, a nurse should check the pulse characteristics proximal to the suspected area of obstruction. In particular, the strength of the pulse is of clinical importance. A weak or absent pulse may indicate that systolic pressure has fallen, possibly due to an obstruction impeding blood flow. For a local obstruction in a limb, the nurse would palpate the arterial pulse distal to the suspected obstruction site, such as the radial pulse for arm obstruction or the dorsalis pedis pulse for leg obstruction. It is also important for the nurse to compare the affected limb to the unaffected limb for disparity in pulse quality, which could further signify an obstruction. The assessment may also include checking the pulse rate as it can imply changes in cardiac output. By doing so, the clinician can gather important clues to a patient's state of health and the presence of an obstruction.