A client is diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). What symptom would the nurse expect to see?

Choice A reason: Sensory perception is one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it measures the degree to which the client can respond to pressurerelated discomfort or pain. Sensory perception can be affected by factors such as level of consciousness, spinal cord injury, or neuropathy. Sensory perception can influence the risk of pressure injuries, as clients with impaired sensory perception may not be able to feel or report the pressure, or change their position to relieve the pressure.

Choice B reason: Age is not one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it is not a direct or independent predictor of pressure injury risk. Age is a demographic variable that can be associated with other factors that affect the risk of pressure injuries, such as skin condition, mobility, or comorbidities. However, age itself is not a factor that is measured or scored in the Braden Scale assessment.

Choice C reason: Friction and shear is one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it measures the degree to which the client's skin is exposed to rubbing or sliding forces. Friction and shear can be affected by factors such as bed linens, transfers, or repositioning. Friction and shear can influence the risk of pressure injuries, as they can damage the skin and underlying tissues, or reduce the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the skin and tissues.

Choice D reason: Nutrition is one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it measures the degree to which the client's intake of food and fluids meets the body's needs. Nutrition can be affected by factors such as appetite, dentition, or swallowing. Nutrition can influence the risk of pressure injuries, as it can affect the skin integrity, wound healing, and immune function of the client.

Choice E reason: Mental state is not one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it is not a direct or independent predictor of pressure injury risk. Mental state is a psychological variable that can be associated with other factors that affect the risk of pressure injuries, such as sensory perception, mobility, or activity. However, mental state itself is not a factor that is measured or scored in the Braden Scale assessment.

Choice A reason: Color is an important indicator of the blood flow and oxygenation to the affected extremity. The nurse should compare the color of the skin, nails, and mucous membranes of the affected and unaffected extremities and look for any signs of pallor, cyanosis, or mottling. These signs can indicate ischemia, hypoxia, or impaired circulation, which can lead to tissue damage or necrosis.

Choice B reason: Temperature is another important indicator of the blood flow and oxygenation to the affected extremity. The nurse should compare the temperature of the skin of the affected and unaffected extremities by palpating with the back of the hand and look for any signs of warmth or coolness. These signs can indicate inflammation, infection, or reduced perfusion, which can affect the healing process or cause complications.

Choice C reason: Ecchymosis is not an indicator of the neurovascular status of the affected extremity. Ecchymosis is the discoloration of the skin caused by bleeding under the skin, which can result from trauma, surgery, or anticoagulant therapy. Ecchymosis is expected after an ORIF of a femur fracture and does not necessarily indicate a problem with the blood flow or oxygenation to the extremity.

Choice D reason: Skin integrity is not an indicator of the neurovascular status of the affected extremity. Skin integrity is the condition of the skin and its ability to resist damage, infection, or breakdown. Skin integrity can be affected by factors such as pressure, friction, moisture, or foreign bodies. The nurse should assess the skin integrity of the affected extremity and look for any signs of wounds, ulcers, or infections, but these signs do not reflect the neurovascular status of the extremity.

Choice E reason: Sensation is an important indicator of the nerve function and innervation of the affected extremity. The nurse should assess the sensation of the affected extremity by asking the client to report any numbness, tingling, or pain, or by testing the client's response to light touch, pressure, or temperature. These signs can indicate nerve damage, compression, or irritation, which can affect the mobility and function of the extremity.