A client is seen in the emergent care clinic for right wrist pain with a pattern of ecchymosis observed on the wrist. Which motion should the nurse instruct the client to perform to assess the wrist mobility?

Choice A Reason:
Requesting diagnostic laboratory testing for the client is appropriate action. Enlargement of the thyroid gland can be indicative of various thyroid disorders, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or thyroid nodules. Diagnostic laboratory testing, such as thyroid function tests (TFTs), thyroid antibody testing, and possibly thyroid ultrasound, can help identify the underlying cause of the thyroid enlargement. These tests can include assessments of thyroid hormone levels (T3, T4, and TSH), antibodies, and imaging studies. Requesting diagnostic laboratory testing is essential to accurately diagnose the condition and guide appropriate management and treatment.
Choice B Reason:
Obtaining a dietary consultation for nutrition teaching is inappropriate action. While nutrition can play a role in overall thyroid health, obtaining a dietary consultation for nutrition teaching is not the most immediate action to take in response to finding an enlarged thyroid gland during palpation. Dietary consultation may be considered as part of comprehensive care for thyroid disorders, but it does not address the need for further evaluation and diagnosis of the thyroid enlargement.
Choice C Reason:
Instructing the client in the need to use iodized salt is inappropriate action. While iodine deficiency can contribute to thyroid disorders, instructing the client to use iodized salt is not the most immediate action to take in response to finding an enlarged thyroid gland during palpation. Using iodized salt may help prevent iodine deficiency, but it does not address the need for further evaluation and diagnosis of the thyroid enlargement.
Choice D Reason:
Scheduling a follow-up appointment in one month is inappropriate action. While scheduling a follow-up appointment may be necessary for ongoing monitoring and management of thyroid disorders, it is not the most immediate action to take in response to finding an enlarged thyroid gland during palpation. Further evaluation and diagnostic testing should be prioritized to determine the underlying cause of the thyroid enlargement and initiate appropriate treatment.

Choice A Reason:
Hyperextension and palmar flexion are correct. Hyperextension involves moving the wrist joint backward, testing its ability to extend beyond its neutral position. Palmar flexion involves moving the wrist joint forward, testing its ability to flex toward the palm. These movements collectively assess the range of motion of the wrist joint in both directions, which is essential for identifying any limitations or pain associated with certain movements. Since the client presents with right wrist pain and ecchymosis, assessing both hyperextension and palmar flexion can help determine if there's any injury or impairment affecting the wrist's mobility.
Choice B Reason:
Plantar flexion is incorrect. Plantar flexion refers to a movement of the foot and ankle, not the wrist. Therefore, instructing the client to perform plantar flexion would not assess the wrist's mobility and is not relevant to the presented scenario of right wrist pain with ecchymosis.
Choice C Reason:
Forearm pronation is incorrect. Forearm pronation involves rotating the forearm so that the palm faces downward. This movement primarily assesses the pronation and supination of the forearm, not the wrist's mobility. Since the client's symptoms are specific to the wrist, assessing forearm pronation would not directly evaluate the wrist's range of motion.
Choice D Reason:
Forearm supination is incorrect. Forearm supination involves rotating the forearm so that the palm faces upward. Similar to forearm pronation, this movement primarily assesses the forearm's mobility, not the wrist's mobility. Therefore, instructing the client to perform forearm supination would not be an appropriate method for assessing the wrist's range of motion in the context of right wrist pain with ecchymosis.