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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Higherthannormal number of CD4+ Tcells and CD8+ Tcells are normal is not a laboratory value that most adults with human immunodeficiency virus will exhibit, because it does not reflect the effect of the virus on the immune system. CD4+ Tcells and CD8+ Tcells are types of white blood cells that play a key role in the immune response. CD4+ Tcells are helper cells that activate and coordinate other immune cells, while CD8+ Tcells are cytotoxic cells that kill infected or abnormal cells. Human immunodeficiency virus infects and destroys CD4+ Tcells, which impairs the immune function and increases the risk of opportunistic infections and cancers. CD8+ Tcells are not directly affected by the virus, but they may increase in number as a compensatory mechanism to fight the infection. Therefore, most adults with human immunodeficiency virus will have lowerthannormal number of CD4+ Tcells and higher than normal CD8+ Tcells.

Choice B reason: Lowerthannormal number of CD4+ Tcells and CD8+ Tcells are normal is not a laboratory value that most adults with human immunodeficiency virus will exhibit, because it does not reflect the effect of the virus on the immune system, as explained above. Lowerthannormal number of CD4+ Tcells and CD8+ Tcells are normal may indicate a condition that affects both types of Tcells, such as aplastic anemia, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunosuppressive drugs.

Choice C reason: Lowerthannormal number of CD4+ Tcells and higher than normal CD8+ Tcells is a laboratory value that most adults with human immunodeficiency virus will exhibit, because it reflects the effect of the virus on the immune system, as explained above. Lowerthannormal number of CD4+ Tcells and higher than normal CD8+ Tcells may indicate the progression of the infection and the severity of the immunodeficiency. The normal range of CD4+ Tcells is 500 to 1500 cells per microliter of blood, while the normal range of CD8+ Tcells is 150 to 1000 cells per microliter of blood.

Choice D reason: Higherthannormal number of CD4+ Tcells and CD8+ Tcells are low is not a laboratory value that most adults with human immunodeficiency virus will exhibit, because it does not reflect the effect of the virus on the immune system, as explained above. Higherthannormal number of CD4+ Tcells and CD8+ Tcells are low may indicate a condition that affects CD8+ Tcells, such as leukemia, lymphoma, or corticosteroid therapy.

A. Encourage range of motion B. Apply heat to the affected hand C. Remove the cast to decrease pressure D. Raise the arm above the level of the heart

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is not the best action because encouraging range of motion can worsen the symptoms and cause more damage to the nerves and blood vessels. Range of motion is the movement of the joints and muscles through their normal extent. Range of motion can help to prevent stiffness, contractures, and muscle atrophy, but it can also increase the swelling and pressure in the affected area, which can impair the circulation and sensation.

Choice B reason: This is not the best action because applying heat to the affected hand can worsen the symptoms and cause more damage to the tissues. Heat is the transfer of thermal energy from a warmer object to a cooler one. Heat can help to relax the muscles, reduce the pain, and increase the blood flow, but it can also increase the inflammation and edema in the affected area, which can compromise the oxygen and nutrient delivery to the tissues.

Choice C reason: This is the best action because removing the cast can decrease the pressure and restore the circulation and sensation to the affected area. A cast is a rigid device that immobilizes and protects a fractured or injured body part. A cast can help to align the bones, prevent displacement, and promote healing, but it can also cause complications, such as compartment syndrome, infection, or nerve damage. Compartment syndrome is a condition where the pressure inside the muscles increases to dangerous levels, causing severe pain, reduced blood flow, and tissue death. The nurse should remove the cast immediately and notify the physician if the client shows signs of compartment syndrome, such as numbness, tingling, pallor, coolness, or swelling.

Choice D reason: This is not the best action because raising the arm above the level of the heart can worsen the symptoms and cause more damage to the nerves and blood vessels. Raising the arm above the level of the heart can help to reduce the swelling and pain in the affected area, but it can also reduce the blood flow and oxygenation to the area, which can lead to ischemia, necrosis, or gangrene. The nurse should elevate the arm at or below the level of the heart and monitor the pulse, color, temperature, and sensation of the fingers.

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A client on bedrest complains of pain and burning in the right calf area. What is the nurse's next action?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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