A client who is confined to a wheelchair as a result of a motorcycle accident is unable to feel pain or pressure from the waist down. Which 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.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: A thick, dry, and dark area on bilateral heels may indicate the beginning stages of a pressure ulcer, but it is not the earliest sign. The earliest indication is usually a non-blanchable redness over a bony prominence.
Choice B reason: Broken skin without evidence of undermining could be a sign of a pressure ulcer, but it is not the earliest indication. The earliest sign is persistent redness over an area of pressure.
Choice C reason: A defined area of persistent redness over bone, especially if it does not blanch when pressed, is the earliest indication of a pressure ulcer. This stage is known as a Stage 1 pressure injury.
Choice D reason: A superficial sacral ulcer with defined margins indicates that a pressure ulcer has already developed and is not the earliest sign of its development.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A,B,C,D,E
Explanation
Choice A reason: The first step is to document the concerns for an accurate record and report them to the charge nurse to address the issue internally within the unit.
Choice B reason: If the issue is not resolved at the unit level, the next step is to discuss the matter with the physician directly as a group, which can lead to a resolution without escalating the situation.
Choice C reason: Should the problem persist, submitting a written report to the Director of Nursing is appropriate to involve higher management and seek further action.
Choice D reason: If the issue remains unresolved after involving the Director of Nursing, contacting the hospital's Chief of Medical Services is the next step to escalate the matter within the hospital's administrative structure.
Choice E reason: As a last resort, if all internal avenues have been exhausted and the problem persists, filing a formal complaint with the state medical board is necessary to address potential violations of professional conduct.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E","F","H"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Applying sequential compression stockings when in bed is a recommended postoperative intervention for bariatric surgery patients. It helps prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by promoting venous return and reducing venous stasis, which is particularly important in patients with obesity due to their increased risk for DVT.
Choice B reason: Maintaining strict bedrest for 12 hours after surgery is not typically recommended as it can increase the risk of complications such as DVT and pulmonary embolism. Early mobilization is generally encouraged to promote circulation and respiratory function.
Choice C reason: Providing chilled beverages is not a specific nursing intervention indicated in the immediate postoperative period for bariatric surgery patients. Fluid intake should be carefully monitored and regulated, but the temperature of the beverages is not a primary concern.
Choice D reason: Changing position frequently is an important postoperative intervention to prevent complications such as pressure ulcers and to promote lung expansion, especially in patients with obesity who are at higher risk for these issues.
Choice E reason: Encouraging coughing and deep breathing is essential after bariatric surgery to help clear the airways, prevent atelectasis, and improve oxygenation. This is particularly important for this patient who has a history of sleep apnea and reported diminished breath sounds postoperatively.
Choice F reason: Observing for signs and symptoms of dumping syndrome is relevant for bariatric surgery patients, as this syndrome can occur when food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine. However, this is more of a long-term concern rather than an immediate postoperative intervention.
Choice G reason: Keeping the client NPO (nothing by mouth) is a common immediate postoperative order, but as the patient progresses, they will be started on a liquid diet and advanced as tolerated. Therefore, it is not a nursing intervention that would be indicated indefinitely.
Choice H reason: Maintaining the head at a 45-degree angle can help improve respiratory function by reducing pressure on the diaphragm, which is especially beneficial for patients with obesity and a history of sleep apnea, as in this case.
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