A nurse is assessing a client to determine their fall risk. Which of the following findings should alert the nurse that the client is at risk for falls?
1+ pedal edema
Bruises on the lower extremities
Impaired vision
Coarse rhonchi auscultated over the trachea
The Correct Answer is C
A. 1+ pedal edema. Mild pedal edema is typically not associated with instability or falls, unless it progresses to severe swelling that affects mobility or balance. It is a sign of fluid retention but not a direct fall risk indicator on its own.
B. Bruises on the lower extremities. Bruising can be a sign of previous falls or trauma, but it is not itself a cause or indicator of fall risk. While it may prompt further investigation, it does not confirm fall risk independently.
C. Impaired vision. Visual impairment is a significant risk factor for falls because it affects depth perception, ability to detect hazards, and overall spatial awareness. Clients with impaired vision are more likely to trip, misjudge steps, or bump into obstacles.
D. Coarse rhonchi auscultated over the trachea. Coarse rhonchi are respiratory findings typically related to mucus in the airways and do not directly contribute to fall risk unless accompanied by severe respiratory distress or fatigue.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A,B,C"}}
Explanation
- Urticaria: Urticaria (hives) is a hallmark sign of an allergic reaction, particularly latex allergy, and typically appears quickly following exposure to allergens. It is not seen in malignant hyperthermia or hypovolemic shock.
- Wheezing: Wheezing can occur in latex allergy due to bronchospasm or airway edema. While respiratory compromise may happen in malignant hyperthermia, it is typically due to muscle breakdown and CO2 retention, not bronchospasm. Wheezing is not expected in hypovolemic shock.
- Muscle rigidity: Generalized rigidity, especially of the jaw (masseter spasm), is a key early sign of malignant hyperthermia, a life-threatening reaction to certain anesthetics. It is not a symptom of latex allergy or hypovolemic shock.
- Hypercapnia: An elevated PaCO₂ is an early, sensitive marker of malignant hyperthermia, resulting from increased CO₂ production due to sustained muscle contraction. This does not occur in latex allergy or hypovolemic shock.
- Tachycardia: Elevated heart rate can be seen in all three conditions: in malignant hyperthermia due to increased metabolic demand, in latex allergy due to anaphylactic reaction, and in hypovolemic shock as a compensatory response to fluid loss.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Bradypnea. Slow respiratory rate is not a typical sign of fluid overload. In fact, fluid volume excess may lead to tachypnea or dyspnea as fluid accumulates in the lungs and impairs gas exchange.
B. Distended neck veins. Jugular vein distention is a classic sign of fluid volume overload. It reflects increased central venous pressure and is commonly seen in clients receiving excessive IV fluids or those with heart failure.
C. Weight loss. IV fluid therapy is intended to increase intravascular volume, and adverse effects are usually related to fluid retention, not loss. Weight gain, not weight loss, would indicate fluid overload.
D. Bradycardia. An increased, not decreased, heart rate (tachycardia) is typically seen with fluid volume excess or in response to fluid shifts. Bradycardia is not a common adverse effect of IV fluid therapy.
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