A diabetic client presents to the acute care facility for the amputation of two gangrenous digits on her left foot.
Which type of perfusion issue has caused this condition?

This nursing diagnosis is typically not associated with anemia because anemia does not cause dehydration or loss of body fluids. Anemia is a condition in which the hemoglobin concentration or the number of red blood cells is lower than normal, resulting in decreased oxygen delivery to the tissues.

Choice A. Ineffective tissue perfusion is wrong because anemia can impair tissue perfusion by reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Choice B. Activity intolerance is wrong because anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and dyspnea on exertion due to inadequate oxygen supply to the muscles.

Choice D. Risk for decreased cardiac output is wrong because anemia can increase the risk of cardiac complications such as tachycardia, palpitations, angina, and heart failure due to increased cardiac workload and demand for oxygen.

Normal ranges for hemoglobin are 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL for men and 12 to 15.5 g/dL for women; normal ranges for hematocrit are 38.8 to 50% for men and 34.9 to 44.5% for women; normal ranges for red blood cell count are 4.7 to 6.1 million/mm3 for men and 4.2 to 5.4 million/mm3 for women; normal ranges for reticulocyte count are 0.5 to 1.5% of red blood cells.

his intervention can help prevent pressure ulcers by reducing the amount of pressure on bony prominences and promoting blood circulation to the skin.

Choice A is wrong because placing the patient in a side-lying position only can increase the risk of skin breakdown by limiting the patient’s mobility and exposing the same areas to pressure. The patient should be repositioned frequently and encouraged to change positions if able.

Choice B is wrong because massaging bony prominences can cause tissue damage and increase the risk of skin breakdown by impairing blood flow to the area. Massaging should be avoided over bony prominences and areas of redness.

Choice D is wrong because keeping the head of the bed elevated higher than 30 degrees can cause shearing forces on the skin, which can lead to skin breakdown. The head of the bed should be kept at the lowest degree of elevation possible.

Choice E is wrong because inspecting skin every shift is not enough for a patient at risk for impaired skin integrity. The skin should be inspected at least every 2 hours or more frequently depending on the patient’s condition. Early detection of skin changes can help prevent further damage and promote healing.

Normal ranges for skin integrity are:

• Skin color: consistent with ethnicity and genetic background, no pallor, cyanosis, or jaundice.

• Skin moisture: dry to touch, no excessive perspiration or dryness. • Skin texture: smooth, soft, intact, with even surface.

• Skin temperature: warm to touch, no hyperthermia or hypothermia. • Skin turgor: elastic, returns to original shape after being pinched. • Skin integrity: no lesions, wounds, abrasions, or ulcers.