If the nurse cannot palpate the patient's left pedal pulses, what is the first step?

When a nurse is unable to palpate the pedal pulses, using a Doppler ultrasound device is the most appropriate initial action. This device allows for the assessment of blood flow by providing an audible sound of the blood flow in the arteries, which is especially useful in cases where pulses may be weak or not palpable due to various reasons, such as peripheral vascular disease or edema.

Employing a Doppler helps in confirming whether there is any pulsatile blood flow in the area, which is critical for assessing vascular health. If the Doppler indicates that there is blood flow, it reassures the clinician that circulation is present, while lack of sound may prompt further investigation.

Inspections of the lower extremity are important, but they typically follow or occur simultaneously with advanced assessments like the Doppler examination. Auscultation can be a useful technique in conjunction with palpation but is not the first-line approach for assessing pedal pulses specifically. Calling the healthcare provider immediately is not warranted unless there is evidence of an emergency, as gathering more information through a Doppler evaluation aids in making a more informed decision about the patient's condition.