A nurse on a Medical-Surgical unit is caring for an elderly patient. Which of the following nursing observations would indicate that the patient is at risk for developing a pressure ulcer?

Patient ate half of his breakfast tray.

Patient has a raised erythematous rash below the knee.

Patient has a capillary refill of less than 2 seconds.

Patient is incontinent of stool.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale:

The choice "Patient ate half of his breakfast tray" is not the correct answer. While poor appetite or decreased intake can impact a patient's nutritional status, it is not a direct indicator of pressure ulcer risk.

Choice B rationale:

The choice "Patient has a raised erythematous rash below the knee" is not the correct answer. This might indicate a localized skin issue, such as an allergic reaction or dermatitis, but it is not a clear sign of pressure ulcer risk.

Choice C rationale:

The choice "Patient has a capillary refill of less than 2 seconds" is not the correct answer. Capillary refill time assesses peripheral circulation and is useful in evaluating perfusion, but it is not specifically indicative of pressure ulcer risk.

Choice D rationale:

The correct answer is "Patient is incontinent of stool." Choice D is the correct answer. Incontinence, especially fecal incontinence, increases the risk of pressure ulcer development. Prolonged exposure to moisture from urine or stool weakens the skin's integrity, making it more susceptible to breakdown when pressure is applied over bony prominences.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Stage I Pressure ulcer - This choice is not correct because a Stage I pressure ulcer is characterized by intact skin with non-blanchable redness over a bony prominence. There is no partial-thickness skin loss at this stage.

Choice B rationale:

Stage II Pressure ulcer - This is the correct choice. A Stage II pressure ulcer involves partial-thickness skin loss that presents as a shallow open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed, without slough. It may also manifest as an intact or open/ruptured serum-filled blister.

Choice C rationale:

Stage IV Pressure ulcer - This choice is not correct because a Stage IV pressure ulcer involves full-thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle. There is no mention of such extensive tissue loss in the given scenario.

Choice D rationale:

Stage II Pressure ulcer - This choice is a duplicate of Choice B and is not correct for the reasons stated above.

A. Pulmonic and Mitral. B. Tricuspid and Aortic. C. Mitral and Tricuspid. D. Aortic and Pulmonic.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Auscultation at the pulmonic and mitral points would not provide the clearest hearing of the S2 heart sound. The S2 sound is composed of two components: A2 (aortic valve closure) and P2 (pulmonic valve closure). The aortic valve sound (A2) is usually louder than P2. Mitral point is not ideal for hearing S2 clearly, as it's mostly associated with S1 sound.

Choice B rationale:

The tricuspid and aortic points are the most appropriate for hearing the S2 heart sound. The aortic valve (A2) is best heard at the second right intercostal space close to the sternum, and the tricuspid valve is best heard at the lower left sternal border.

Choice C rationale:

While the mitral and tricuspid points are important for auscultating the heart sounds, they are more associated with the S1 sound (the first heart sound). The S2 sound is best heard at the aortic and pulmonic areas.

Choice D rationale:

The aortic and pulmonic points are important for assessing the S2 heart sound, but they are not the most optimal locations. The aortic valve sound is heard most clearly at the second right intercostal space, whereas the pulmonic valve sound is heard at the second left intercostal space.

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A nurse on a Medical-Surgical unit is caring for an elderly patient. Which of the following nursing observations would indicate that the patient is at risk for developing a pressure ulcer?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is admitting an elderly client into a unit. During the initial assessment, the nurse notes an erythematous wound with partial-thickness skin loss. The wound does not contain slough and is located on the patient's right heel. How will the nurse stage this pressure ulcer?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A Medical-Surgical nurse is assessing a client's heart sounds. In which of the following points of auscultation would the nurse hear the S2 sound most clearly?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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