A nurse is caring for a patient in a medical-surgical unit.
The patient’s current diagnoses include type 2 diabetes mellitus and a past medical history of a left below-the-knee amputation 5 years ago.
The nurse is at the patient’s bedside for a dressing change.
The patient’s heart sounds (S1 and S2) are auscultated, with a rate of 76/min. The patient’s respirations are even and regular at 16/min.
The negative pressure wound therapy dressing is removed. Granulation tissue covers the wound bed.
There is slight erythema at the wound edges. The surrounding tissue is warm to touch.
There is no odor present.
The pressure injury is 8.75 cm (3.5 in) in diameter and 2.5 cm (1 in) at the deepest point.
There are two tunnels measuring 5 cm (2 in) and 3 cm (1.2 in). The dressing is reapplied and sealed.
The intermittent pressure setting is at 125 mm Hg. The patient reports pain as a 2 on a scale from 0 to 10 and tolerated the procedure well.

Which of the following findings indicate an improvement in the patient’s condition?

Granulation tissue covers the wound bed.

Slight erythema at wound edges.

The surrounding tissue is warm to touch.

The patient reports pain as a 2 on a scale from 0 to 10. .

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale

Granulation tissue covering the wound bed is a positive sign of wound healing. Granulation tissue is a key component of the wound healing process, typically forming during the proliferation phase. It consists of new connective tissue and tiny blood vessels that develop in the wound bed as part of the body’s response to injury. Therefore, the presence of granulation tissue covering the wound bed indicates an improvement in the patient’s condition.

Choice B rationale

Slight erythema at the wound edges could be a sign of inflammation or infection. Erythema, or redness of the skin, is often associated with inflammation or infection. While it can be a normal part of the healing process, persistent or increasing erythema could indicate a problem such as infection or irritation. Therefore, slight erythema at the wound edges does not necessarily indicate an improvement in the patient’s condition.

Choice C rationale

The surrounding tissue being warm to touch could be a sign of inflammation or infection. When skin feels hot to the touch, it often means that the body’s temperature is hotter than normal. This can happen due to an infection or an illness, but it can also be caused by an

environmental situation that increases body temperature. Therefore, the surrounding tissue being warm to touch does not necessarily indicate an improvement in the patient’s condition.

Choice D rationale

The patient reporting pain as a 2 on a scale from 0 to 10 could indicate that the patient’s pain is minor. On a pain scale, a score of 2 usually indicates minor pain. However, pain is a subjective experience and can vary greatly among individuals. Therefore, while a lower pain score generally suggests less severe pain, it does not necessarily indicate an improvement in the patient’s overall condition.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale: Client 1 is admitted with a new diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. While this condition can cause discomfort and requires management, it is a chronic condition that does not typically present an immediate threat to the client’s health. Therefore, while this client will need to be assessed and their care plan will need to be adjusted to manage their new diagnosis, they are not the highest priority at this time.

Choice B rationale: Client 2 has a history of hyperlipidemia and has been administered Atorvastatin 20 mg PO as prescribed. Hyperlipidemia is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management, but it does not typically present an immediate threat to the client’s health. The fact that the client has been administered their medication as prescribed suggests that their condition is currently being managed effectively. Therefore, while this client will need to be monitored to ensure that their medication continues to be effective, they are not the highest priority at this time.

Choice C rationale: Client 3 is 1 day postoperative and reports pain as 8 on a scale of 0 to 10, even after Morphine 5 mg subcutaneous was administered as prescribed. This indicates that the client’s pain is not well controlled and could be a sign of complications. Therefore, immediate assessment is required. This client should be the nurse’s highest priority.

Choice D rationale: Client 4 is admitted with a new diagnosis of heart failure. Heart failure is a serious condition that can have life- threatening complications. However, the fact that this is a new diagnosis suggests that the client’s condition is not yet severe enough to require immediate intervention. Therefore, while this client will need to be assessed and their care plan will need to be adjusted to manage their new diagnosis, they are not the highest priority at this time.

Choice E rationale: Client 5 has a stage 2 pressure injury on the left heel. Pressure injuries can lead to serious complications, including infection and tissue necrosis. However, a stage 2 pressure injury is a relatively minor injury that is unlikely to present an immediate threat to the client’s health. Therefore, while this client will need to be assessed and their care plan will need to be adjusted to manage their pressure injury, they are not the highest priority at this time.

Choice F rationale: Client 6 is admitted with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. However, the fact that this is a new diagnosis suggests that the client’s condition is not yet severe enough to require immediate intervention. Therefore, while this client will need to be assessed and their care plan will need to be adjusted to manage their new diagnosis, they are not the highest priority at this time.

A. Determine the reasons why the client is refusing to use the incentive spirometer. B. Document the client’s refusal to participate in health restorative activities. C. Administer a pain medication to the client.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse’s priority action should be to determine the reasons why the client is refusing to use the incentive spirometer. Understanding the client’s concerns or fears can help the nurse address them and encourage the client to participate in this important aspect of postoperative care.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in a medical-surgical unit is caring for six clients. The nurse needs to assess the clients based on their conditions. Exhibits Based on the Nurses’ Notes, which client should the nurse assess first? Please select the correct client number from the choices below:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A postoperative client refuses to use an incentive spirometer following major abdominal surgery. What is the nurse’s priority action?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is examining a patient’s medication prescription which states, “digoxin 0.25 by mouth daily.”. Which component of the prescription should the nurse confirm with the healthcare provider?

A nurse is preparing to suction secretions from a patient who has a new tracheostomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

A nurse is instructing a client whose left leg is in a cast on how to use crutches. Which statement from the client indicates they have understood the instructions?

A nurse is caring for a patient who has herpes zoster and is inquiring about the use of complementary and alternative therapies.Which of the following actions should the nurse take to reduce the patient’s risk of developing plantar flexion contractures?

A nurse is caring for a client who is expressing anger about their diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Which action should the nurse take?

A nurse is preparing to insert a peripheral IV catheter for an older adult client. Which action should the nurse plan to take?

A nurse is educating an older adult client at risk for osteoporosis on starting a regular physical activity program. Which type of activity should the nurse recommend?