A nurse is collecting data from a client who has venous insufficiency. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Thickened toenails
Shiny, thin skin on the lower extremities
Dusky, red color of the feet when dangling
Pitting edema
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason : Thickened toenails are often associated with fungal infections and are not a direct symptom of venous insufficiency. However, they can appear in patients with chronic venous insufficiency due to poor circulation that affects the health of the toenails.
Choice B reason : Shiny, thin skin on the lower extremities is more characteristic of arterial insufficiency, where there is a reduction in blood flow and oxygen to the tissues. In venous insufficiency, the skin may instead appear thickened and discolored due to stasis and buildup of hemosiderin from the breakdown of red blood cells.
Choice C reason : A dusky, red color of the feet when dangling can be a sign of dependent rubor, which is associated with arterial insufficiency. This occurs when there is a severe decrease in arterial blood flow to the lower extremities. Venous insufficiency may cause a different color change, typically a brownish discoloration due to hemosiderin deposition.
Choice D reason : Pitting edema is a hallmark sign of venous insufficiency. It occurs due to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, which is a result of increased pressure in the veins. This pressure causes fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues, leading to swelling that retains an indentation when pressed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Pain assessment is a critical priority for postoperative patients. After aortic valve replacement surgery, patients may experience discomfort or pain related to the incision site, chest tube placement, or other surgical interventions. Pain assessment allows the nurse to evaluate the effectiveness of pain management strategies, adjust medications as needed, and ensure the patient's comfort and well-being. Pain can also impact vital signs and overall recovery, so addressing it promptly is essential.
Choice B reason: Monitoring blood pressure is important, but it is not the highest priority immediately after surgery. Blood pressure assessment is part of routine postoperative care, but it does not directly address the patient's immediate comfort or potential complications. However, if the patient's blood pressure becomes significantly abnormal, it would require immediate attention.
Choice C reason: Checking bowel sounds is relevant for assessing gastrointestinal function, but it is not the top priority immediately postoperatively. Bowel sounds may be diminished initially due to anesthesia, surgical manipulation, or bowel rest. However, assessing pain and other vital signs takes precedence over bowel sounds in the immediate recovery period.
Choice D reason: Assessing the catheter insertion site is essential, especially if the patient has an indwelling urinary catheter. However, it is not the highest priority immediately after aortic valve replacement. Pain assessment and monitoring for complications related to surgery (such as bleeding, infection, or cardiac issues) take precedence. The catheter site can be assessed during routine nursing care.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason : A hemoglobin (Hgb) level of 16 g/dL is within the normal range for adults, which typically falls between 13.8 to 17.2 g/dL for men and 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL for women. Therefore, this value does not warrant reporting to the provider as it does not indicate an immediate concern.
Choice B reason : A prothrombin time (PT) of 45 seconds is significantly higher than the normal range of 11 to 13.5 seconds for individuals not on anticoagulation therapy. For patients on warfarin, the target PT is usually 1.5 to 2 times the normal value, depending on the indication for therapy. However, a PT of 45 seconds suggests a high risk of bleeding and requires immediate medical attention.
Choice C reason : The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of 36 seconds is within the normal range of approximately 21 to 35 seconds⁸. This result indicates that the blood's intrinsic clotting pathway is functioning within expected parameters and does not need to be reported.
Choice D reason : A platelet count of 190,000/mm is within the normal range, which is typically 150,000 to 450,000 platelets/mm. This value is not concerning and does not need to be reported to the provider.
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