The emergency service team brings a homeless client found lying in an alley to the emergency department. An assessment is performed, and the client is suspected of having frostbite of the hands.
Which finding would the nurse expect to note in this condition?
Red skin with edema in the nail beds.
Black fingertips surrounded by an erythematous rash.
A white appearance to the skin that is insensitive to touch.
A pink edematous hand.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Red skin with edema in the nail beds is more indicative of a superficial injury or inflammation, such as cellulitis or a mild burn, rather than frostbite.
Choice B rationale
Black fingertips surrounded by an erythematous rash suggest gangrene or severe necrosis, which can occur in advanced stages of frostbite but is not an initial finding.
Choice C rationale
A white appearance to the skin that is insensitive to touch is a classic sign of frostbite. The lack of sensation is due to the freezing of tissues and nerves, and the white color indicates a lack of blood flow to the affected area.
Choice D rationale
A pink edematous hand is more indicative of a mild inflammatory response or early stages of frostbite before the tissue has frozen. It does not represent the more severe presentation of frostbite.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
According to the Rule of Nines, the percentage of body surface area for different parts of the body is calculated to estimate burn severity. For example, the anterior and posterior aspects of each leg account for 18% each, and the back accounts for 18%. Therefore, the total body surface area burned can be estimated based on these percentages.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Red skin with edema in the nail beds is more indicative of a superficial injury or inflammation, such as cellulitis or a mild burn, rather than frostbite.
Choice B rationale
Black fingertips surrounded by an erythematous rash suggest gangrene or severe necrosis, which can occur in advanced stages of frostbite but is not an initial finding.
Choice C rationale
A white appearance to the skin that is insensitive to touch is a classic sign of frostbite. The lack of sensation is due to the freezing of tissues and nerves, and the white color indicates a lack of blood flow to the affected area.
Choice D rationale
A pink edematous hand is more indicative of a mild inflammatory response or early stages of frostbite before the tissue has frozen. It does not represent the more severe presentation of frostbite.
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