The nurse is assessing older clients in a community health clinic. Which assessment finding is an indicator for immediate medical follow-up?

Diminished short term memory over the past year.

Reduced fine motor skills.

A negative Babinski reflex.

A change in awareness of surroundings.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Diminished short-term memory in older adults can be a sign of normal aging or early cognitive decline, such as mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia. While this is concerning, it is not typically an immediate indicator requiring urgent medical follow-up. It is important to monitor and assess memory changes over time, but it might not necessitate immediate action unless accompanied by other significant symptoms.
B.   Reduced fine motor skills can occur due to aging, arthritis, or neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease. While this finding is important for evaluating the client's functional status and quality of life, it does not usually require immediate medical follow-up unless it is sudden, severe, or accompanied by other alarming symptoms.

C.   The Babinski reflex is a neurological test where stroking the sole of the foot causes the big toe to extend. In adults, a negative Babinski reflex (where the big toe does not extend) is normal and indicates that the corticospinal tract is functioning properly. A positive Babinski reflex is abnormal in adults and may indicate neurological damage.
D.   A change in awareness of surroundings is a more urgent concern. It could indicate acute cognitive changes, delirium, or severe neurological issues that require prompt evaluation. Such changes can be related to various serious conditions, including infections, metabolic imbalances, or acute brain disorders.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. A limping gait can be a sign of pain or discomfort while walking. By asking about pain while bearing weight, the nurse can get a better understanding of the underlying cause of the limp.
B. A limping gait is not typically associated with changes in level of consciousness. This assessment is not relevant in this situation.

C. While a spinal deformity can cause a limping gait, it is not the most likely cause in this case. The nurse should first assess for pain while bearing weight to get a better understanding of the underlying issue.
D. Orthostatic blood pressure is a measure of blood pressure changes when a person stands up. It is not typically associated with a limping gait and is not relevant in this situation.

A. Trains for competition and runs 12 miles every day. B. Received an implanted intrauterine device (IUD) last month. C. Reports a history of chronic urinary track infections. D. Increased calcium intake with 3 glasses of non-fat milk daily.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Intense physical exercise, particularly when combined with a low body mass index, can lead to
amenorrhea. This condition, often referred to as "athletic amenorrhea," occurs due to the body’s response to excessive physical stress and insufficient fat stores. A low BMI combined with high levels of physical activity can disrupt the hormonal balance necessary for regular menstrual cycles.
B. While certain types of IUDs (especially hormonal ones) can cause changes in menstrual patterns, they are not typically associated with the same degree of amenorrhea as seen with significant weight loss or low BMI. The timeline of one month after IUD insertion is relatively short for such significant changes to occur solely due to the device, making it a less likely cause of the client’s amenorrhea in this context.
C. Chronic UTIs generally do not affect menstrual cycles or cause amenorrhea. They are more likely to result in symptoms related to the urinary system rather than hormonal imbalances that influence menstrual cycles.
D. Increased calcium intake is generally associated with positive health benefits, including bone health, but it is not typically linked to amenorrhea. Calcium intake alone, especially if it is not accompanied by other significant dietary or lifestyle changes, is unlikely to be a contributing factor to amenorrhea.

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The nurse is assessing older clients in a community health clinic. Which assessment finding is an indicator for immediate medical follow-up?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

During the admission assessment, the nurse observes that a client has a limping gait. Which assessment should the nurse complete next?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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