A client with diabetes mellitus develops an ulcer on the bottom of the foot. Which pathology is the primary contributing factor to the ability of the ulcer to heal?
Sensory neuropathy.
Hyperlipidemia.
Ketoacidosis.
Microvascular changes.
The Correct Answer is D
A) Sensory neuropathy:
Sensory neuropathy, while common in diabetes mellitus, primarily affects sensation in the extremities and can lead to reduced pain perception and protective sensation. While sensory neuropathy can contribute to the development of foot ulcers by reducing the ability to detect trauma or pressure, it is not the primary factor influencing the ability of the ulcer to heal.
B) Hyperlipidemia:
Hyperlipidemia, characterized by elevated levels of lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood, is a common comorbidity in diabetes mellitus. It can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and macrovascular complications such as coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease. While macrovascular disease can impair wound healing by reducing blood flow to the affected area, it is not the primary contributing factor to the ability of the ulcer to heal.
C) Ketoacidosis:
Ketoacidosis, a serious complication of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, results from the accumulation of ketones in the blood, leading to metabolic acidosis. While ketoacidosis can have systemic effects and impair overall health, it is not directly related to the ability of a foot ulcer to heal.
D) Microvascular changes:
Correct. Microvascular changes, such as thickening of the capillary basement membrane and endothelial dysfunction, are hallmark features of diabetes mellitus. These changes lead to impaired microcirculation, reduced oxygen delivery, and compromised nutrient supply to tissues, including the skin and soft tissues of the foot. Poor microvascular perfusion contributes to delayed wound healing and an increased risk of infection in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Addressing microvascular changes is essential for promoting wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers, making it the primary contributing factor to the ability of the ulcer to heal.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Renal calculi, also known as kidney stones, are solid masses made up of crystals that form in the kidneys due to various factors, including supersaturation of urine with stone-forming substances, inadequate urine volume, and conditions that promote crystal precipitation and retention in the urinary tract. Here's the breakdown of the pathological process contributing to the client's clinical presentation:
A) Excessive urine output:
Excessive urine output (polyuria) is not typically associated with the formation of renal calculi. In fact, low urine output (oliguria) or concentrated urine may increase the risk of stone formation by reducing the volume of urine available to dilute stone-forming substances.
B) Excessive fluid intake:
Excessive fluid intake is generally beneficial in preventing kidney stone formation by increasing urine volume and diluting stone-forming substances. Therefore, it is not likely to contribute to the development of renal calculi in this scenario.
C) Increased calcium reabsorption:
Correct. Increased calcium reabsorption in the renal tubules can lead to hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria, which are risk factors for the formation of calcium-containing kidney stones (calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate stones). Excessive calcium reabsorption may occur due to various factors, including hormonal imbalances (e.g., hyperparathyroidism) or medications that affect calcium metabolism.
D) Increased serum alkalinity:
Increased serum alkalinity (alkalosis) is not typically associated with the formation of renal calculi. Urinary pH may influence the formation of certain types of kidney stones (e.g., uric acid stones are more likely to form in acidic urine), but alkalosis alone is not a primary factor in stone formation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) An increase in afterload results in decreased systolic pressure, which creates a decreased cardiac output:
This statement is incorrect. According to the Frank-Starling law, afterload refers to the resistance against which the heart must pump blood during systole. An increase in afterload typically results in increased systolic pressure, not decreased, as the heart works harder to overcome the increased resistance. However, increased afterload can lead to decreased cardiac output due to the increased work of the heart.
B) A decrease in afterload causes the cardiac muscles to hypertrophy, resulting in increased diastolic volume:
This statement is incorrect. A decrease in afterload typically reduces the workload on the heart, which may lead to reverse remodeling and a reduction in cardiac hypertrophy. Increased diastolic volume may occur due to reduced afterload, but it's not the direct result of hypertrophy.
C) An increase in preload results in greater shortening of myocardial fibers, thereby increasing contractility:
Correct. The Frank-Starling law states that an increase in preload (end-diastolic volume or stretch of myocardial fibers) leads to greater overlap of actin and myosin filaments within myocardial fibers during systole. This increased overlap results in stronger myocardial contraction (increased contractility), leading to an increased stroke volume and cardiac output.
D) A decrease in preload results in increasing diastolic muscle fiber length, which impedes contractility:
This statement is incorrect. Preload refers to the degree of stretch of the myocardial fibers at the end of diastole. A decrease in preload would lead to decreased stretch of the myocardial fibers, not increasing diastolic muscle fiber length. Decreased preload typically results in decreased contractility rather than an impediment to contractility due to reduced myocardial stretch.
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