A client admitted with pneumonia and on bedrest has not had the strength to perform self-care.
Which assessment finding provides the nurse with the earliest indication that the client is developing a pressure injury?

Choice A rationale

Decreased range of motion is generally associated with a rotator cuff injury. This is because the rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of the upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. When these muscles or tendons are injured, it can limit the shoulder’s range of motion.

Choice B rationale

Pain with movement can be a symptom of both a rotator cuff injury and a humeral fracture. Both conditions involve structures that are integral to the movement of the arm, and damage to these structures can cause pain when they are moved or put under strain.

Choice C rationale

Reduced strength in the left upper extremity is more commonly associated with a rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is responsible for the stability of the shoulder joint and enables the arm to lift and rotate. An injury to the rotator cuff can therefore lead to a reduction in the strength of the arm.

Choice D rationale

Reduced pulse distal to the injury is more commonly associated with a humeral fracture. This is because a fracture to the humerus could potentially damage the blood vessels running along the bone, leading to a reduced pulse further down the arm.

Choice E rationale

Coolness of the skin is more commonly associated with a humeral fracture. This could be due to damage to the blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow and therefore a lower skin temperature.

Choice A rationale

Listening for bilateral breath sounds is a common method to confirm the correct placement of the ETT1. When the ETT is correctly placed, breath sounds should be heard equally on both sides of the chest.

Choice B rationale

Verifying a capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds is not directly related to confirming the placement of an ETT. Capillary refill time is often used to assess peripheral circulation and hydration status, not airway management.

Choice C rationale

Checking that the ETT markings are between 22 and 26 cm at the teeth line is another method to confirm correct ETT placement. These markings help ensure that the ETT is not too far into the trachea, which could cause one lung to be ventilated more than the other.

Choice D rationale

Observing for symmetrical chest movement is a visual confirmation of correct ETT placement. When the ETT is correctly placed, both sides of the chest should rise and fall equally with each breath.

Choice E rationale

Arranging for a portable chest x-ray is considered the gold standard for confirming ETT location. It provides a visual confirmation that the ETT is in the trachea and not in the esophagus.