A nurse is assessing a client who has peripheral artery disease. Which of the following findings should the nurse recognize as requiring immediate intervention?
Lower extremities edematous with decreased pulses and cool to the touch
Pain, pallor, and paresthesia in the foot
Murmur auscultated at the left 5th midclavicular line, slight dyspnea, and lower extremity edema
Presence of an open wound near the ankle with serous drainage and pruritus
The Correct Answer is B
A. Lower extremities edematous with decreased pulses and cool to the touch While this finding suggests impaired circulation associated with peripheral artery disease, it does not indicate an immediate need for intervention. However, it requires timely assessment and intervention to prevent further complications.
B. Pain, pallor, and paresthesia in the foot This finding indicates critical limb ischemia, which is a severe complication of peripheral artery disease requiring immediate intervention. Pain, pallor (pale color), and paresthesia (abnormal sensations like tingling or numbness) suggest inadequate blood flow to the affected limb, putting the client at risk for tissue damage and limb loss if not promptly addressed.
C. Murmur auscultated at the left 5th midclavicular line, slight dyspnea, and lower extremity edema These findings are suggestive of cardiac issues such as heart failure rather than immediate complications of peripheral artery disease. While they require attention, they do not signify an urgent need for intervention specific to peripheral artery disease.
D. Presence of an open wound near the ankle with serous drainage and pruritus While an open wound warrants assessment and appropriate wound care, it does not indicate an immediate need for intervention unless there are signs of infection or severe tissue damage. In this scenario, the presentation of pain, pallor, and paresthesia indicates a more urgent need for intervention to prevent tissue necrosis and limb loss.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Administer pain medication as needed. Rationale: Pain management is essential for clients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) to ensure their comfort and to prevent agitation or increased intracranial pressure (ICP) due to pain. Administering pain medication as needed helps alleviate discomfort and promotes rest, which supports the client's recovery.
B. Maintain ventriculostomy at the correct position. Rationale: Ventriculostomy, also known as an external ventricular drain (EVD), is a critical component of managing intracranial pressure (ICP) in clients with traumatic brain injury. Maintaining the ventriculostomy at the correct position ensures accurate monitoring and drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which helps control ICP levels and prevents complications such as cerebral edema.
C. Maintain the neck in the midline position. Rationale: Keeping the neck in a midline position is essential for clients with traumatic brain injury to prevent further injury to the cervical spine. Proper alignment of the neck helps maintain spinal stability and reduces the risk of exacerbating any existing spinal cord injury, which may coexist with the traumatic brain injury.
D. Elevate the head of the bed to 30 degrees. Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees is recommended for clients with traumatic brain injury to promote cerebral venous drainage and reduce intracranial pressure (ICP). This position helps optimize cerebral perfusion and minimizes the risk of cerebral edema, which can occur with increased ICP.
E. Maintain enteral feedings. Rationale: Nutritional support is crucial for clients with traumatic brain injury to support healing and recovery. Enteral feedings, such as tube feedings, may be necessary if the client is unable to consume adequate nutrition orally due to impaired swallowing or altered consciousness. Providing enteral feedings ensures the client receives essential nutrients to support tissue repair and prevent malnutrition-related complications during the recovery process.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Vision changes occur when blood vessels leak fluid or blood under a portion of the retina": This statement describes a symptom of diabetic retinopathy, not open-angle glaucoma. In open-angle glaucoma, vision changes primarily result from increased intraocular pressure (IOP) due to impaired drainage of aqueous humor, not leakage of fluid or blood under the retina.
B. "Vision changes occur when the cloudy lens alters the passage of light through the eye": This statement describes a symptom of cataracts, not open-angle glaucoma. Cataracts involve clouding of the lens inside the eye, which affects the passage of light and leads to visual disturbances. Open-angle glaucoma, however, primarily affects the optic nerve and visual field due to increased intraocular pressure.
C. "Vision changes occur when retinal tissue pulls away from the blood vessels in the eye": This statement describes a symptom of retinal detachment, not open-angle glaucoma. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina detaches from the underlying layers of the eye, leading to vision changes and potentially vision loss. Open-angle glaucoma, on the other hand, primarily involves increased intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage.
D. "Vision changes occur when pressure in the eye is increased due to a decrease of aqueous humor": This statement is accurate. In open-angle glaucoma, vision changes occur due to increased intraocular pressure resulting from inadequate drainage of aqueous humor from the eye. This increased pressure can lead to damage of the optic nerve, resulting in peripheral vision loss and potentially blindness if left untreated.
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