In planning the turning schedule for a bedfast client, it is most important for the nurse to consider which assessment finding?
4+ pitting edema of both lower extremities.
Hypoactive bowel sounds with infrequent bowel movements.
Braden risk assessment scale rating score of ten.
Warm, dry skin with a fever of 100.0° F (37.8° C).
The Correct Answer is C
A. Pitting edema, especially at a 4+ level, indicates significant fluid retention in the lower extremities. While this can be a concern for skin integrity and may contribute to skin breakdown due to increased pressure and reduced mobility, it is not the most direct indicator for turning schedules.
B. Hypoactive bowel sounds and infrequent bowel movements suggest gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation or reduced bowel motility. While these issues are important to address for overall client health, they do not directly impact the scheduling of turning to prevent pressure ulcers.
C. The Braden Risk Assessment Scale is a tool used to evaluate a client's risk for developing pressure ulcers. A score of 10 indicates a high risk for pressure ulcer development. This assessment directly informs the need for a more aggressive turning schedule and other preventive measures to protect skin integrity.
D. Warm, dry skin and a low-grade fever might indicate an infection or other underlying condition, but these factors are not the primary considerations for determining the turning schedule. While fever and skin temperature can be important for overall assessment and care, they do not directly impact the need for turning to prevent pressure ulcers.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Orthopnea is a condition where a person has difficulty breathing when lying flat and may require sitting or standing to breathe more easily. While documenting orthopnea is important for the medical record and understanding the client’s condition, it is not the immediate priority in addressing acute breathing difficulty.
B. Elevating the head of the bed is an immediate and effective action to help alleviate breathing difficulty. This position helps improve respiratory mechanics by allowing the diaphragm to move more freely and reducing pressure on the lungs.
C. Using a pulse oximeter to measure oxygen saturation is important for assessing the client’s oxygen levels and determining the need for supplemental oxygen. However, this action is secondary to immediately addressing the position that is causing difficulty.
D. Assessing vital signs is important for a comprehensive evaluation of the client’s overall condition and to identify any critical changes in health status. However, in the case of immediate breathing difficulty, it is more urgent to take actions that directly address the breathing issue before performing a thorough assessment.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While avoiding friction can help to prevent skin breakdown, it's not the most important intervention for this client. Frequent position changes are more effective in reducing pressure on the skin and preventing ulcers.
B. Nutrition is important for overall health, but it's not the most immediate concern in this case. Preventing pressure ulcers is the priority.
C. While keeping the skin clean and dry is important, it's not the most effective way to prevent pressure ulcers. Frequent position changes are more important for reducing pressure on the skin.
D. The most effective way to prevent pressure ulcers in immobile clients is to change their position frequently. This helps to relieve pressure on bony areas and promote circulation to the skin. By changing the client's position regularly, the nurse can help to reduce the risk of skin breakdown and the development of pressure ulcers.
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