A 45-year-old African-American client comes to the clinic complaining of fatigue, thirst, and frequent urination. During the physical exam, the nurse notices areas of linear hyperpigmentation around the neck and in the axillae (Acanthosis Nigricans). What would the nurse do next?
Refer the client for medical follow-up.
Ask the client about a family history of cancer.
Document the benign findings.
Perform a random blood sugar test.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice a reason :
Referring the client for medical follow-up is the most appropriate action. Acanthosis Nigricans is often associated with insulin resistance and is a risk factor for diabetes mellitus. The client's symptoms of fatigue, thirst, and frequent urination are classic signs of diabetes. Therefore, a comprehensive medical evaluation is necessary to rule out diabetes or other underlying conditions that could be causing these symptoms.
Choice b reason
While Acanthosis Nigricans can sometimes be associated with malignancy, it is more commonly linked to insulin resistance and diabetes. The client's presenting symptoms are not typical of cancer but are indicative of diabetes. Therefore, while a family history of cancer is relevant to the client's overall health, it is not the immediate concern based on the current presentation.
Choice c reason
Documenting findings is an essential part of the nursing process; however, the presence of Acanthosis Nigricans, especially when coupled with symptoms of fatigue, thirst, and frequent urination, should not be considered benign without further investigation. These findings warrant further assessment to determine the underlying cause.
Choice d reason
Performing a random blood sugar test could be a part of the initial assessment; however, it should not replace a referral for a comprehensive medical evaluation. A random blood sugar test alone may not be sufficient to diagnose diabetes or determine the cause of the client's symptoms. A full medical follow-up will likely include blood sugar testing along with other diagnostic tests.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice a reason:
Wearing nonslip shoes in the house is a preventive measure against falls, which are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in adolescents. Nonslip shoes provide better grip and stability, especially on potentially slippery surfaces like tiles or polished wood, reducing the risk of slips and falls that can lead to head injuries.
Choice b reason:
The supervised use of guns by an adult is critical in preventing accidental shootings, which can result in TBIs. Adolescents may lack the maturity and experience to handle firearms safely, and adult supervision ensures that proper safety protocols are followed, reducing the risk of accidental discharge and potential injury.
Choice c reason:
The use of seat belts is one of the most effective ways to prevent TBIs in the event of a vehicle accident. Seat belts restrain the body and prevent individuals from being thrown around inside or ejected from the vehicle, significantly reducing the likelihood of head trauma.
Choice d reason:
Avoiding risky activities such as snowboarding without proper safety equipment is essential in preventing sports-related TBIs. Snowboarding, like other high-speed sports, carries a risk of falls and collisions, which can cause head injuries. Wearing helmets and other protective gear, and engaging in these activities with caution, can mitigate this risk.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Palpating in front of the ear would assess the preauricular lymph nodes, not the submental lymph nodes. The preauricular nodes are located just in front of the ears and are typically examined when there is an infection or inflammation in the eyes, ears, or scalp.
Choice B reason:
The submental lymph nodes are located in the midline, just under the chin, behind the bony prominence of the mandible. This is the correct area for palpation when assessing the submental lymph nodes. These nodes drain the lower lip, the floor of the mouth, the tip of the tongue, and the incisors, and they can become enlarged due to infections or malignancies in these areas.
Choice C reason:
Palpating superficial to the sternomastoid would assess the cervical lymph nodes, specifically the anterior cervical nodes, which are not the submental lymph nodes. The sternomastoid muscle is a landmark for several lymph node groups in the neck, but not for the submental group.
Choice D reason:
Palpating at the angle of the mandible would assess the submandibular lymph nodes, not the submental lymph nodes. The submandibular nodes are located beneath the jawline and can become enlarged due to infections or malignancies in the mouth, throat, and salivary glands.
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