A nurse is caring for a client who is it at risk for a pressure injury. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Keep the head of the client’s bed elevated to 45
Provide the client with a high-calorie diet.
Massage the client’s bony prominences.
Reposition the client every 4 hr.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Keep the head of the client’s bed elevated to 45 degrees:
Elevating the head of the bed to 45 degrees can actually increase the risk of pressure injuries, particularly in clients who are already at risk. This position can cause shearing forces and increase pressure on areas such as the sacrum, heels, and hips, making it more likely for pressure ulcers to develop.
B) Provide the client with a high-calorie diet:
A high-calorie diet is important for clients at risk of pressure injuries because adequate nutrition supports skin integrity and wound healing. Clients at risk for pressure injuries often have compromised nutritional status, and providing sufficient calories, protein, and other nutrients helps improve tissue regeneration and resilience. A high-calorie, high-protein diet helps prevent further breakdown of the skin and supports the healing process for any existing wounds.
C) Massage the client’s bony prominences:
Massaging bony prominences, such as the heels, elbows, and sacrum, is not recommended because it can cause tissue damage and increase the risk of pressure injury. Instead, the focus should be on minimizing pressure on these areas and using appropriate methods to redistribute pressure, such as repositioning the client or using pressure-relieving devices.
D) Reposition the client every 4 hours:
Repositioning the client every 4 hours may not be frequent enough for those at high risk for pressure injuries. For individuals who are immobile or at high risk, repositioning should typically occur at least every 2 hours to alleviate pressure on vulnerable areas of the body.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) A client who has heart failure and peripheral edema:
While heart failure and peripheral edema are significant conditions that require medical attention, they are chronic issues that, in most cases, are not immediately life-threatening in an emergency department setting unless there is acute decompensated heart failure or signs of severe fluid overload or respiratory distress.
B) A client who reports urinary burning and a temperature of 29.2° C (102.5°F):
This client is febrile, which suggests an infection, possibly a urinary tract infection (UTI). Although fever and urinary burning are concerning, infection-related fevers generally don't pose an immediate life threat unless there is sepsis or severe systemic involvement. A temperature of 102.5°F is significant, but the client's condition is not as urgent as other life-threatening emergencies like an arrhythmia or severe cardiovascular instability.
C) A client who has cirrhosis of the liver and bruising on their arms:
Bruising in a client with cirrhosis of the liver could indicate bleeding tendencies, which is an important concern. However, unless there is active bleeding or signs of severe liver failure (e.g., confusion, ascites, jaundice), this is not an immediate, life-threatening situation.
D) A client who has a new onset of atrial fibrillation and a heart rate of 152/min:
A new onset of atrial fibrillation (AF) with a heart rate of 152/min is an immediate priority. This is a life-threatening arrhythmia that can lead to decreased cardiac output, risk of stroke, and hemodynamic instability. A heart rate of 152 beats per minute is dangerously high, which could lead to tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy or cardiogenic shock. Immediate intervention is needed to manage the arrhythmia and prevent further complications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Decreased peripheral pulses:
Increased body temperature typically causes vasodilation rather than vasoconstriction, leading to improved blood flow rather than decreased. As a result, peripheral pulses are more likely to be normal or even increased in response to fever. Decreased peripheral pulses would be more indicative of conditions like shock or hypoperfusion, not fever.
B) Heart rate 108/min:
Fever causes an increase in metabolic demand, which often results in a compensatory increase in heart rate (tachycardia). This phenomenon, known as "fever tachycardia," occurs as the body attempts to circulate blood more rapidly to meet the increased oxygen and nutrient demands caused by elevated body temperature. A heart rate of 108 beats per minute is a normal response to fever, particularly when the temperature reaches 39°C (102.27°F).
C) Respiratory rate 10 breaths/min:
A respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute is considered bradypnea (abnormally slow breathing), which is typically not associated with fever. Fever usually leads to an increase in respiratory rate (tachypnea) as the body attempts to cool itself through increased evaporation of sweat and breathing. A respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min is more likely to be seen in conditions like drug overdose, head injury, or respiratory depression, rather than fever.
D) Dilated pupils:
Dilated pupils (mydriasis) are typically associated with sympathetic nervous system activation, which can be caused by certain drugs, trauma, or neurological conditions. Fever, however, generally causes only mild changes in pupil size and is more likely to lead to constricted pupils (miosis) in response to certain stress hormones. Dilated pupils are not a typical finding with fever.
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