A client on bedrest complains of pain and burning in the right calf area. What is the nurse's next action?
Deeply palpate the area for rebound tenderness
Percuss over the area for a change in tone
Compare the circumference to the left calf
Medicate the client for pain and reassess in 60 minutes
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Deeply palpating the area for rebound tenderness is not the nurse's next action, because it is inappropriate and dangerous. Deeply palpating the area for rebound tenderness is a test that involves applying and releasing pressure on the abdomen, which can elicit pain or discomfort in the presence of peritonitis or appendicitis. Deeply palpating the area for rebound tenderness is not relevant or useful for the client's complaint of pain and burning in the right calf area, which may indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. Deeply palpating the area for rebound tenderness can also worsen the pain, damage the tissues, or dislodge the clot, which can cause pulmonary embolism, which is a lifethreatening condition.
Choice B reason: Percussing over the area for a change in tone is not the nurse's next action, because it is inappropriate and useless. Percussing over the area for a change in tone is a test that involves tapping on the chest or abdomen, which can produce different sounds depending on the density of the underlying organs or tissues. Percussing over the area for a change in tone is not relevant or useful for the client's complaint of pain and burning in the right calf area, which may indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. Percussing over the area for a change in tone can also worsen the pain, damage the tissues, or dislodge the clot, which can cause pulmonary embolism, which is a lifethreatening condition.
Choice C reason: Comparing the circumference to the left calf is the nurse's next action, because it is appropriate and useful. Comparing the circumference to the left calf is a test that involves measuring the size of the leg, which can reveal any swelling or edema in the affected area. Comparing the circumference to the left calf is relevant and useful for the client's complaint of pain and burning in the right calf area, which may indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. Comparing the circumference to the left calf can also help diagnose, monitor, or treat the condition, as a difference of more than 2 cm between the legs can suggest a DVT.
Choice D reason: Medicating the client for pain and reassessing in 60 minutes is not the nurse's next action, because it is inappropriate and delayed. Medicating the client for pain and reassessing in 60 minutes is an intervention that involves giving the client a painkiller and checking the response after an hour. Medicating the client for pain and reassessing in 60 minutes is not relevant or useful for the client's complaint of pain and burning in the right calf area, which may indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. Medicating the client for pain and reassessing in 60 minutes can also mask the symptoms, delay the diagnosis, or miss the opportunity to prevent the complications, such as pulmonary embolism, which is a lifethreatening condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: The client instills the prescribed number of eye drops into the conjunctival sac is a correct action, because it ensures that the medication reaches the eye surface and does not spill out. The conjunctival sac is the space between the eyelid and the eyeball.
Choice B reason: The client washes her hands before instilling the eye drops is a correct action, because it prevents the introduction of microorganisms or foreign substances into the eye. Hand hygiene is an essential infection control measure.
Choice C reason: The client sets the cap to the eye drop container down in a manner that does not contaminate it is a correct action, because it preserves the sterility of the eye drop solution and prevents crosscontamination. The cap should be placed on a clean surface with the inner side facing up.
Choice D reason: The client touches the administration dropper to the eye is an incorrect action, because it can cause injury, infection, or contamination of the eye drop solution. The administration dropper should be held close to the eye, but not touch it.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Providing active range of motion (ROM) is not a treatment that the nurse can perform for a quadriplegic client. Active ROM means that the client moves their own joints without assistance. A quadriplegic client has paralysis of all four limbs and cannot move their joints voluntarily.
Choice B reason: Providing passive range of motion (ROM) is a treatment that the nurse can perform for a quadriplegic client. Passive ROM means that the nurse moves the client's joints through their full range of motion without resistance. This helps prevent joint contracture, which is the loss of joint movement and flexibility due to muscle shortening and stiffness. It also helps maintain joint mobility, which is the ability of the joint to move smoothly and freely.
Choice C reason: Turning the client every 2 hours is not a treatment that the nurse can perform to decrease the risk of joint contracture and promote joint mobility. Turning the client every 2 hours is a preventive measure to avoid pressure ulcers, which are skin injuries caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. It does not directly affect the joint function or movement.
Choice D reason: Administering glucosamine supplements is not a treatment that the nurse can perform to decrease the risk of joint contracture and promote joint mobility. Glucosamine supplements are dietary supplements that may help reduce the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease that causes the breakdown of the cartilage and bone in the joints. It does not affect the muscle or nerve function or movement.
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