Patient Data
Choose the most likely options for the information missing from the statement below by selecting from the lists of options provided. The nurse recognizes that a diagnosis of
The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"A","dropdown-group-3":"E"}
Rationale for correct choices:
• Cellulitis: The client presents with redness, warmth, swelling, and pain in the left lower leg, along with a small preceding cut. These findings are characteristic of cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, often following a breach in the skin barrier.
• Break in skin: The small cut noted above the lateral ankle provides an entry point for bacteria, explaining the localized infection. A break in skin is a common precursor to cellulitis, particularly in clients with diabetes or vascular compromise.
• Left lower leg erythema: Erythema indicates inflammation and infection, which are hallmark signs of cellulitis. The presence of erythema, along with swelling and warmth, supports the clinical diagnosis of a bacterial skin infection.
Rationale for incorrect choices:
• Left lower leg erythema (as a diagnosis option): Erythema alone describes a symptom rather than a medical diagnosis. While present, it does not capture the underlying bacterial infection requiring treatment.
• Break in skin (as a diagnosis option): A break in the skin is a risk factor or contributing event, not a formal diagnosis. It explains how infection occurred but does not replace the clinical diagnosis of cellulitis.
• Cool, pale left leg: This finding is more indicative of arterial insufficiency or ischemia rather than infection. The client’s affected leg is warm and erythematous, which contrasts with cool, pale tissue.
• Intact skin: Intact skin would not allow bacterial entry and does not explain the localized infection. The client has a visible small cut that preceded the erythema.
• Dry scaly skin: While common in peripheral vascular disease or chronic dermatologic conditions, dry scaly skin does not explain the acute signs of infection seen in this client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Engage the client in non-threatening conversations: Establishing a therapeutic nurse–client relationship through simple, supportive communication helps reduce isolation, builds trust, and may encourage the client to begin expressing thoughts and feelings.
B. Encourage the client's family to visit more often: Family involvement can be beneficial, but it may not be effective if the client is withdrawn. Increasing visits without first fostering a supportive environment could overwhelm or further isolate the client.
C. Encourage the client to participate in group activities: Group activities promote social interaction but may feel intimidating or threatening for someone who has been withdrawn for weeks. Gradual re-engagement beginning with one-on-one communication is more appropriate.
D. Schedule a daily conference with the social worker: Involving the social worker can be helpful for comprehensive care planning, but this does not directly address the immediate nursing priority of engaging the client therapeutically and reducing withdrawal.
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"B,B"},"F":{"answers":"B"},"G":{"answers":"A,B"}}
Explanation
• Chest pain: Blood clot embolism, especially pulmonary embolism, typically causes sudden chest pain due to obstruction of the pulmonary arteries. Fat embolism rarely causes chest pain as the primary symptom, though hypoxia may lead to discomfort. Chest pain is therefore more indicative of thrombotic embolism.
• Petechiae: Petechiae on the neck, upper chest, and conjunctiva are hallmark signs of fat embolism. They result from occlusion of dermal capillaries by fat globules and platelet aggregation. Blood clot embolism does not usually cause petechiae.
• Origin typically long bone fracture: Fat emboli commonly originate from fractures of long bones such as the femur, tibia, or pelvis. Trauma forces fat from the bone marrow into the bloodstream, creating emboli. Blood clot emboli generally do not arise from bone fractures.
• Altered mental status: Fat embolism can impair cerebral oxygenation, leading to confusion, lethargy, or agitation. This neurological involvement is a distinguishing feature of fat embolism. Blood clot embolism rarely affects mental status unless there is severe hypoxia.
• Dyspnea: Dyspnea occurs in both fat and blood clot embolism due to impaired oxygen exchange in the lungs. In fat embolism, hypoxia may develop gradually, while blood clot embolism often causes sudden shortness of breath. Both conditions require prompt respiratory support.
• Origin typically deep vein thrombosis: Blood clot emboli usually originate from deep veins in the legs or pelvis and travel to the lungs. Fat emboli are not associated with venous thrombi. Identifying the source helps differentiate between the two embolism types.
• Tachycardia: Tachycardia is a compensatory response to hypoxia or stress in both fat and blood clot embolism. It helps maintain oxygen delivery to vital organs. While nonspecific, its presence supports the need for urgent intervention in either condition.
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