A nurse is assessing a 64-year-old African-American client who has jaundice. The patient has a past medical history of alcoholism and liver cirrhosis. Which of the following areas is the most reliable for the nurse to inspect for jaundice?
Conjunctiva
Sclera of the eye
Back of the neck
Palms of the hands
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
The conjunctiva can sometimes appear yellow in individuals with jaundice; however, it is not the most reliable area to inspect for jaundice. The conjunctiva may be affected by other factors such as environmental irritants or infections, which can alter its appearance.
Choice B Reason:
The sclera of the eye is the most reliable area to inspect for jaundice. The yellowing of the sclera, also known as scleral icterus, is a key indicator of jaundice. The sclera's white background provides a clear contrast, making any yellow discoloration more noticeable. This is particularly true in darker-skinned individuals, where skin changes may be less apparent.
Choice C Reason:
The back of the neck is not a reliable area to inspect for jaundice. Skin pigmentation and lighting can affect the visibility of yellowing, making it an unreliable indicator. Additionally, the back of the neck may have other skin changes unrelated to jaundice that could confuse the assessment.
Choice D Reason:
The palms of the hands are not the most reliable area to inspect for jaundice. While the palms may show yellowing, they are subject to various external factors such as manual labor or exposure to substances that can affect their color. Moreover, the palms' skin may be thicker and less transparent, making subtle changes in color more difficult to detect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice a reason:
A client recently diagnosed with a chronic illness would require a comprehensive health history that includes past medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors. While important, it is not typically categorized as an emergency health history unless the chronic condition has acutely worsened.
Choice b reason:
A client presenting with hypotension (low blood pressure), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), an oxygen saturation of 85% (indicating potential hypoxemia), and a recent gunshot wound is experiencing a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention. An Emergency health history is crucial in this scenario to quickly gather information that will guide urgent treatment decisions.
Choice c reason:
A client who has just confirmed pregnancy would need a detailed health history, including obstetric and gynecological history, but this is not considered an emergency unless there are complications or concerns that require immediate attention.
Choice d reason:
A client who frequently visits the hospital reporting the same symptom may indicate a chronic issue that needs ongoing management rather than an emergency. However, if the symptom suggests an acute exacerbation or a new, serious condition, it could escalate to an emergency.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice a reason:
Exophthalmos, or protrusion of the eyeballs, is not a typical finding in hypothyroidism. It is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, particularly Graves' disease, which is characterized by an overactive thyroid gland.
Choice b reason:
Photophobia, or light sensitivity, is not a common symptom of hypothyroidism. While it can be associated with other conditions, it is not directly related to the function of the thyroid gland.
Choice c reason:
Weight loss is typically not associated with hypothyroidism. In fact, individuals with hypothyroidism often experience weight gain due to a slowed metabolism, which is the opposite of weight loss.
Choice d reason:
Lethargy is a common symptom of hypothyroidism. The condition can lead to a decrease in thyroid hormone production, which can slow down the body's metabolism, resulting in feelings of fatigue, sluggishness, and lethargy.
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