A nurse is reviewing the medical history of a client who is scheduled for surgery.
Which of the following findings places the client at risk for an incisional hematoma?

Choice A rationale:

The "Region" in the PQRST mnemonic refers to the location of the pain. It helps identify where the pain is occurring in the body. While this information is important, it does not address the quality or nature of the pain, which is what the nurse is asking the client to describe.

Choice B rationale:

"Severity" in the PQRST mnemonic relates to how intense the pain is. It helps in assessing the degree of pain the client is experiencing, but it does not address the quality or nature of the pain, which is what the nurse is inquiring about.

Choice C rationale:

"Quality" in the PQRST mnemonic pertains to the description of the pain itself. It helps the nurse understand the characteristics of the pain, such as whether it is sharp, dull, burning, throbbing, etc. This information is essential for a more accurate assessment of the pain's underlying cause, making it the correct choice in this scenario.

Choice D rationale:

"Precipitating cause" in the PQRST mnemonic is concerned with what factors or actions might trigger the pain. While this information is valuable, it does not directly address the nature or quality of the pain, which is what the nurse is trying to assess.

Choice A rationale:

Widened peripheral vision. This choice is not an expected change in an older adult's vision. As individuals age, peripheral vision may diminish, but it doesn't typically widen. Therefore, this choice is not appropriate.

Choice C rationale:

Eyes with large pupils. Older adults often experience changes in the size of their pupils due to the aging process. Pupils may become smaller and less responsive to light, not larger. Thus, this choice is not accurate.

Choice D rationale:

Infections of the eye. While eye infections can occur in any age group, there's no specific reason to monitor an older adult for eye infections unless there are signs or symptoms suggesting an issue. It's not a routine aspect of care for older adults. Now, let's discuss the rationale for the correct answer, choice B:

Choice B rationale:

Increase in accommodation to near vision. This is the correct answer because it is a common age-related change in vision known as presbyopia. As individuals age, their ability to accommodate or focus on near objects diminishes. This change typically begins in the early 40s and progresses over time. It's a result of the lens of the eye becoming less flexible. Older adults may need reading glasses or bifocals to improve their near vision. The nurse should plan to monitor for this change as part of routine care for an older adult.