The nurse inspects the client's fingernails. Which differentiating characteristics are observed in this assessment finding?

 

A. Notify the healthcare provider. Notifying the healthcare provider might be necessary if the kyphosis is a new finding or is associated with pain, neurological symptoms, or other complications. However, kyphosis is often a chronic condition associated with osteoporosis.

B. Observe muscle fasciculations. Muscle fasciculations are not directly related to kyphosis and osteoporosis. This option does not address the primary concern of the assessment finding.

C. Document the assessment finding. Documenting the presence of kyphosis is essential for the medical record and ongoing management of the client's osteoporosis. It ensures that the condition is noted and can be monitored over time.

D. Palpate the area for an effusion. Effusions are related to fluid accumulation in joints or tissues, which is not directly related to kyphosis. This is not an appropriate action in response to observing kyphosis.

A. Longitudinal pigmented bands and red-brown linear streaks of recent onset. This description is more indicative of longitudinal melanonychia, which presents as pigmented bands along the length of the nail plate. It's not typically associated with finger clubbing.

B. Thinned, depressed nails with lateral edges tilting up to form a concave profile and proximal subungual fungal infection. This description suggests koilonychia, also known as spoon nails, which are characterized by thin, depressed nails with lateral edges tilting up. The mention of a fungal infection points to a different condition. It doesn't align with finger clubbing.

C. Transverse furrows and nail plate white spots that move forward with nail growth. This description corresponds to Beau's lines and leukonychia, which are not associated with finger clubbing. Beau's lines are transverse furrows or depressions in the nail plate, while leukonychia manifests as white spots or lines.

D. A nail base angle greater than 180 degrees and nail plate loosened at the distal-lateral edge, progressing proximally. This description fits the characteristics of finger clubbing, where there's an increased nail base angle (greater than 180 degrees) and the nail plate is loosened at the distal-lateral edge, progressing proximally. This choice aligns with the assessment finding.