An elderly patient who had a fall at a store is admitted with a potential right hip fracture.
What assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?
The left lower extremity is warm to touch.
Bilateral pedal pulses are present and strong.
The patient wiggles their right toes when the sole of the right foot is tickled.
The right leg is externally rotated and shorter than the left.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While it’s important to assess all aspects of the patient’s condition, a warm left lower extremity does not necessarily indicate a right hip fracture. It could be related to other conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis or cellulitis.
Choice B rationale
The presence of strong bilateral pedal pulses is a positive sign and does not indicate a hip fracture. It suggests that the patient has good peripheral circulation.
Choice C rationale
The ability to wiggle the toes when the sole of the right foot is tickled does not necessarily indicate a hip fracture. This is a normal response and suggests that the patient has intact sensory and motor function in the foot.
Choice D rationale
A right leg that is externally rotated and shorter than the left is a classic sign of a hip fracture. This occurs because the fracture can cause the femoral head to tilt and rotate outward, making the leg appear shorter.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["D","E","F","G"]
Explanation
Based on the provided information, the following aspects of the assessment require urgent attention:
- The client’s request for sleeping medication: This indicates that she is having trouble sleeping, which can affect her recovery.
- The client’s distressing thoughts and memories about the house collapsing: This could be a sign of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which requires immediate attention and possibly referral to a mental health professional.
- The client’s statement about being in a “funk”: This could indicate depression or another mental health issue, which should be addressed promptly.
- The client’s preference for a quieter area of the unit: The noise by the nurses’ station is disturbing her rest, which is crucial for her recovery. Efforts should be made to accommodate her request if possible.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Replacing paper trash bags with plastic biohazard bags is not typically necessary in a mental health unit unless there is a risk of exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. This action would not specifically address the safety needs of a patient with depression following a positive HIV diagnosis16.
Choice B rationale
Removing soft drink cans from the nurse’s desk and patient lounge is not typically necessary for ensuring a safe environment for a patient with depression following a positive HIV diagnosis. This action does not directly address the patient’s mental health needs16.
Choice C rationale
Confiscating the patient’s cellular phone and providing a room telephone is not typically necessary for ensuring a safe environment for a patient with depression following a positive HIV diagnosis. While some facilities may have policies regarding the use of personal electronic devices, this action does not directly address the patient’s mental health needs16.
Choice D rationale
Ensuring that prescribed medications are securely stored in the room is the correct action. This is a standard safety measure in healthcare settings to prevent medication errors and misuse. It is particularly important for patients with depression who may be at risk for self-harm16.
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