A client who has been hospitalized with an exacerbation of heart failure experiences severe dyspnea with activity and remains on bedrest. Which assessment finding provides the nurse with the earliest indication that the client is developing a pressure ulcer?

Thick, dry, and dark area on bilateral heels.

Broken skin without evidence of undermining.

Defined area of persistent redness over bone.

Superficial sacral ulcer with defined margins.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Thick, dry, dark areas on heels suggest chronic skin changes, not early pressure ulcers. Persistent redness over bone is the earliest sign (Stage 1). This indicates later damage, per pressure injury staging and prevention protocols in nursing care for immobile clients.

Choice B reason: Broken skin indicates a Stage 2 pressure ulcer, beyond the earliest stage. Persistent redness (Stage 1) signals initial tissue compromise. Broken skin requires intervention but is not the earliest sign, per pressure ulcer assessment and prevention standards in nursing practice.

Choice C reason: Persistent redness over bone is the earliest sign of a Stage 1 pressure ulcer, indicating tissue compromise due to pressure. Early intervention prevents progression in bedrest clients with heart failure, per pressure injury prevention and skin assessment protocols in nursing care.

Choice D reason: A superficial sacral ulcer (Stage 2) is more advanced than persistent redness (Stage 1), the earliest sign. Redness allows earlier intervention to prevent ulceration. Ulcers indicate progression, per pressure ulcer staging and prevention guidelines for immobile clients in nursing.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Placing the chair by the bed is preparatory but not immediate after sitting up. Prolonged bedrest risks orthostatic hypotension from reduced plasma volume and baroreceptor sensitivity. Assessing the client’s response ensures stability before transfer, preventing falls, making this less urgent than evaluating for dizziness or hypotension.

Choice B reason: Supporting the client when rising is premature before assessing their response to sitting. Bedrest causes deconditioning, increasing orthostatic hypotension risk, leading to dizziness or syncope. Determining how the client feels confirms cardiovascular stability, preventing falls during transfer due to blood pressure drops.

Choice C reason: Determining how the client feels assesses for orthostatic hypotension, common post-bedrest due to reduced venous return and baroreceptor dysfunction. Dizziness or lightheadedness signals syncope risk during transfer. This ensures cardiovascular stability, prioritizing safety before physical support, addressing physiological changes from prolonged immobility.

Choice D reason: Offering non-skid socks prevents falls during ambulation but is secondary to assessing sitting response. Bedrest heightens hypotension risk, and ensuring the client is not dizzy takes precedence to avoid syncope. Socks are a later safety measure, making this less immediate than evaluating physiological stability.

A. Administering a PRN cathartic. B. Reducing IV fluid to a keep-open rate. C. Advancing diet to full liquids. D. Insertion of a nasogastric tube.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: A cathartic is contraindicated, as pain, distension, and absent bowel sounds suggest postoperative ileus or obstruction, where peristalsis is impaired. Cathartics risk perforation. A nasogastric tube decompresses the bowel, addressing gastrointestinal stasis, preventing complications like vomiting or rupture.

Choice B reason: Reducing IV fluids does not address pain, distension, or absent bowel sounds, indicating ileus or obstruction. Fluids maintain hydration, but nasogastric tube insertion relieves bowel pressure from gas and fluid, restoring function, making fluid reduction ineffective for this postoperative complication.

Choice C reason: Advancing to liquids is inappropriate with absent bowel sounds and distension, indicating ileus, risking vomiting or aspiration. A nasogastric tube removes gastric contents, allowing bowel recovery. Oral intake worsens obstruction, making this contraindicated compared to decompression for safe recovery.

Choice D reason: Nasogastric tube insertion is critical for pain, distension, and absent bowel sounds, suggesting postoperative ileus or obstruction. It decompresses the stomach, removing gas and fluid, reducing pressure and preventing perforation. This addresses the pathophysiological basis of impaired motility, ensuring safe postoperative recovery.

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A client who has been hospitalized with an exacerbation of heart failure experiences severe dyspnea with activity and remains on bedrest. Which assessment finding provides the nurse with the earliest indication that the client is developing a pressure ulcer?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

After a week of bedrest, a client is being assisted to a chair for the first time. The nurse raises the head of the bed and moves the client to a sitting position. Which action should the nurse implement next?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

On the second postoperative day, a client reports increasing abdominal pain. Assessment findings include a distended abdomen with absent bowel sounds. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate implementing?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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