A male client reports the onset of a burning sensation in his hands and legs. How should the nurse document this finding in the electronic medical record (EMR)?

Circulation impaired.

Paresthesia reported.

Reports feeling "on fire."

Inflammation present.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   This term suggests a problem with blood flow, which could potentially cause symptoms such as numbness or tingling. However, it does not specifically address the sensation of burning. Using this term might lead to an incorrect or incomplete assessment of the client's condition.
B.   Paresthesia is a term used to describe abnormal sensations in the skin, such as burning, tingling, or prickling. The client's report of a burning sensation in the hands and legs aligns well with the definition of paresthesia. Documenting it as "paresthesia reported" accurately reflects the nature of the symptoms and is a medically precise way to describe the abnormal sensory experience.
C.   This documentation uses colloquial language ("on fire") to describe the client's symptoms. While it conveys the intensity of the sensation, it is not a standardized medical term and may not be as clear or useful for clinical documentation.
D.   Inflammation refers to the body's response to injury or infection, which often involves redness, swelling, heat, and pain. The term "inflammation" does not specifically describe the sensation of burning reported by the client.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. The presence of crepitus, regardless of size, indicates air trapped in the subcutaneous tissue, which can be associated with various conditions including trauma, infection, or underlying lung issues. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the finding further rather than assuming it is insignificant.
B. This is the most accurate interpretation. Crepitus is indeed an abnormal finding and warrants further investigation. Its presence can indicate underlying issues such as subcutaneous emphysema, which may be related to trauma, infections, or other conditions that need to be addressed. A more detailed assessment, including possible imaging or additional diagnostic tests, should be pursued to determine the cause and appropriate management.
C. While it is true that subcutaneous air can be absorbed over time, the presence of crepitus is still an abnormal finding that needs to be evaluated. The underlying cause of the trapped air must be identified, as it may indicate an injury or other health issues that require intervention. Simply assuming that it will resolve on its own without further investigation could overlook a potentially serious condition.
D. While a fractured rib can cause crepitus, this finding alone does not necessarily mean an immediate chest x-ray is required. The decision to order an x-ray should be based on a comprehensive assessment of the client’s symptoms, history, and physical examination findings. Although a rib fracture is a possible cause, other conditions such as subcutaneous emphysema or infections should also be considered.

A. Instruct the client to close both eyes. B. Cover the client with a warmed blanket. C. Darken the client's room environment. D. Measure the client's body temperature.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Instructing the client to close their eyes is crucial during sensory assessments, including temperature testing. This helps ensure that the client does not rely on visual cues to determine the temperature of
the stimuli, allowing the nurse to accurately assess the client’s sensory perception based purely on
touch and temperature differences.
B. Covering the client with a warmed blanket is not necessary for assessing temperature perception. This action could alter the client’s baseline sensory perception by affecting their skin temperature, which could lead to inaccurate results. The sensory assessment requires the client to experience temperature changes directly on their skin without external influences like additional warmth.
C. Darkening the room is not relevant for assessing temperature sensation. Visual impairment (like darkening the room) is not related to sensory nerve function related to temperature perception, and this step does not contribute to an accurate assessment of the client's ability to perceive temperature changes.
D. Measuring the client’s body temperature is not a direct method for assessing their sensory nerve function or temperature perception. While knowing the body temperature might be relevant for other reasons, it does not directly assess how well the client can sense temperature changes on their skin.

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A male client reports the onset of a burning sensation in his hands and legs. How should the nurse document this finding in the electronic medical record (EMR)?

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is A

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