An older adult client in a long-term care facility had a stroke 4 weeks ago and has been unable to move independently since that time. The nurse caring for her should observe for which of the following findings that indicates a complication of immobility?
Stiffness in the lower extremities
A reddened area over the sacrum
Difficulty hearing some types of sounds
Difficulty moving the upper extremities
The Correct Answer is B
A. Stiffness in the lower extremities can occur due to lack of movement and muscle disuse. Prolonged immobility leads to muscle atrophy and contractures, causing stiffness and reduced range of motion. This is a common complication seen in clients who are bedridden or have limited mobility.
B. A reddened area over the sacrum indicates a potential pressure injury or pressure ulcer. Immobility increases the risk of pressure ulcers due to prolonged pressure on bony prominences, such as the sacrum. Regular repositioning and pressure relief strategies are essential to prevent skin breakdown in immobile clients.
C. Difficulty hearing certain types of sounds is not typically associated with immobility. It may be related to age-related changes in hearing or other auditory issues but is not a direct complication of immobility.
D. Difficulty moving the upper extremities can occur due to muscle weakness or disuse atrophy, which can result from immobility. However, it is less common compared to stiffness and difficulty in the lower extremities because upper extremities are often more frequently moved or exercised even in bedridden clients.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregularly irregular pulse. This means that the rhythm of the pulse lacks a discernible pattern; it may be irregularly fast or slow, with varying intervals between beats. Therefore, "irregular" is an appropriate term to describe the quality of the pulse in a client with atrial fibrillation.
B. While some clients with atrial fibrillation may have a slow heart rate (bradycardia), not all do. Atrial fibrillation itself typically presents with an irregular rhythm rather than a consistently slow pulse rate. Thus, "slow" may not accurately describe the quality of the pulse in atrial fibrillation.
C. "Not palpable" refers to the inability to feel or detect a pulse. In atrial fibrillation, the pulse is usually palpable but irregular. Therefore, "not palpable" would not be an accurate term to describe the pulse quality in this condition.
D. "Bounding" describes a pulse that is strong and forceful. In atrial fibrillation, the pulse may vary in strength and typically does not have a bounding quality. This term would not accurately describe the pulse quality in a client with atrial fibrillation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Place the client in a high Fowler's position:High Fowler’s would increase intra-abdominal pressure and strain sutures. For peritonitis recovery, semi-Fowler’s is preferred-promotes drainage of peritoneal fluid into the pelvis, preventing spread to diaphragm and lungs.
B. Ambulate the client twice daily:Too early after peritonitis lavage. Initially, the client is very weak, at risk for sepsis/shock. Early ambulation is not a priority here.
C. Mark abdominal girth once daily:Abdominal girth measurement is important to monitor for distention, fluid accumulation, or bleeding. Marking ensures accuracy in repeated measurements. This is a key intervention in monitoring postop peritonitis.
D. Irrigate the nasogastric tube with tap water:Never irrigate with tap water (risk of electrolyte imbalance, infection). Only sterile normal saline or as prescribed is used.
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