An older client is hospitalized following an embolic stroke resulting in right-sided paresis. Three days after admission, the nurse notes edema and erythema to the right lower leg. These findings should alert the nurse to which possible condition?

Infection.

Deep vein thrombosis.

Pulmonary embolism.

Fat emboli.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   Infection in the lower leg could cause localized redness, swelling, warmth, and possibly pain. However, the presence of these symptoms alone is not as specific to infection, especially without additional symptoms like fever or purulent discharge.
B.   Deep vein thrombosis is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, commonly in the legs. The symptoms of DVT include swelling (edema), redness (erythema), warmth, and sometimes pain in the affected leg. Given that the client has paresis on one side and is likely less mobile, the risk of DVT increases.
C.   A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot (often from the legs) travels to the lungs and causes a blockage. While a pulmonary embolism is a serious complication of DVT, the findings of localized edema and erythema in the leg are more directly associated with DVT itself rather than the secondary complication of a pulmonary embolism.
D.   Fat emboli typically occur after fractures or trauma and lead to fat droplets entering the bloodstream and causing blockages in the lungs, brain, or skin. The classic symptoms include respiratory distress, neurological symptoms, and petechial rash.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. CRP is an acute-phase protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Elevated CRP levels indicate systemic inflammation or infection. Measuring the CRP level can help confirm the presence of an inflammatory process, such as infection, and monitor the severity of inflammation. However, while useful, CRP alone might not provide the complete picture needed for specific wound management.
B. Culturing the wound for sensitive organisms is crucial when an infection is suspected. This test will identify the specific bacteria or other pathogens causing the infection and determine their sensitivity to various antibiotics. This information is essential for choosing the appropriate treatment to address the infection effectively.
C. Serum albumin levels provide information about the client’s nutritional status and can reflect protein malnutrition. Low serum albumin levels can indicate poor wound healing due to inadequate protein levels, which affects tissue repair. While serum albumin is important for understanding overall nutritional status, it does not directly diagnose or confirm infection.
D. Blood glucose levels are important to monitor, especially in diabetic patients, as high blood glucose can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infections. However, blood glucose levels are more related to the client's ability to heal rather than directly identifying or managing an infection.

A. Manually ventilate using a bag valve mask apparatus. B. Determine if client wishes have changed. C. Report client's status to the healthcare provider. D. Administer oxygen via a nasal cannula.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Using a bag valve mask (BVM) to manually ventilate the client would be considered an extraordinary measure, which conflicts with the client's living will stating no extraordinary measures should be taken.
B. While it's essential to ensure that the client's current wishes are respected, the client is likely unable to communicate effectively due to their condition. If the client were able to express their wishes at this stage, it might be important to confirm, but given the client's living will and the established DNR order, the primary focus should be on adhering to these documents.
C. Reporting the client's status to the healthcare provider is important to ensure that the provider is informed about the client’s current condition and can offer guidance or make necessary adjustments in the care plan. However, if the healthcare provider is already aware of the client's living will and DNR order, this step may be secondary to following the existing orders.
D. Administering supplemental oxygen via a nasal cannula is a palliative measure that can provide comfort without being considered an extraordinary measure. It aligns with the goal of providing symptom relief and comfort care rather than resuscitation or life-extending interventions.

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An older client is hospitalized following an embolic stroke resulting in right-sided paresis. Three days after admission, the nurse notes edema and erythema to the right lower leg. These findings should alert the nurse to which possible condition?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

While changing the dressing of a client who is immobile, the nurse observes a red and swollen wound with a moderate amount of yellow and green drainage and a foul odor. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should note which of the client's laboratory values?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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