The nurse is caring for an immobilized client who is at risk for breakdown in skin integrity. Which pathophysiological process should the nurse note early in the development of a pressure injury?
Epidermal fragility and skin excoriation with serous drainage.
Hypodermal fluid accumulation and blister formation.
Necrotic tissue, purulent exudate and eschar formation.
Ischemic inflammatory response marked by erythemic skin.
The Correct Answer is D
Pressure injuries, also known as pressure ulcers or bedsores, result from prolonged pressure on the skin, leading to tissue ischemia and damage. Early recognition of the pathophysiological processes involved in pressure injury development is crucial for prevention and timely intervention. Here's why option D is the correct choice:
A) Epidermal fragility and skin excoriation with serous drainage:
This description more closely aligns with the characteristics of a superficial wound or abrasion rather than the early stages of a pressure injury. In pressure injuries, epidermal breakdown may occur later in the process, after prolonged pressure and tissue ischemia.
B) Hypodermal fluid accumulation and blister formation:
While fluid accumulation and blister formation can occur in some types of wounds, such as friction blisters or burns, they are not typically characteristic of the early stages of pressure injury development. Pressure injuries primarily involve tissue ischemia and damage due to pressure and shear forces.
C) Necrotic tissue, purulent exudate, and eschar formation:
This description is more indicative of advanced or severe pressure injuries rather than the early stages. Necrotic tissue, purulent exudate, and eschar formation typically occur in pressure injuries that have progressed to deeper tissue involvement and infection.
D) Ischemic inflammatory response marked by erythemic skin:
Correct. In the early stages of pressure injury development, the affected area may exhibit signs of tissue ischemia and inflammation, which can manifest as erythema (redness) of the skin. This erythema is a result of the body's inflammatory response to tissue damage caused by pressure and may indicate the need for intervention to relieve pressure and prevent further injury.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) The usual types of reactions are mediated by antibodies:
Correct. Types I, II, and III hypersensitivity reactions are mediated by antibodies (IgE, IgG, or IgM) that bind to antigens and trigger immune responses. In contrast, Type IV hypersensitivity reactions are T-cell mediated and do not involve antibodies.
B) B-lymphocytes produce the offending substances:
This statement is incorrect. B-lymphocytes are involved in antibody-mediated immune responses (types I, II, and III hypersensitivity reactions), not Type IV hypersensitivity reactions, which are primarily mediated by T-lymphocytes.
C) They typically occur with the first exposure to an antigen:
This statement is incorrect. Type IV hypersensitivity reactions usually require sensitization upon initial exposure to an antigen, and subsequent exposures elicit the delayed hypersensitivity response. This is similar to types I, II, and III hypersensitivity reactions, which also involve sensitization upon initial exposure.
D) Delayed reactions are characterized by cytokine release:
This statement is partially correct. Type IV hypersensitivity reactions are characterized by a delayed onset (typically 24 to 72 hours after exposure) and involve the release of cytokines from activated T-lymphocytes, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. However, other types of hypersensitivity reactions may also involve cytokine release, so this feature alone does not differentiate Type IV from other types of reactions.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Myocardial infarction:
Myocardial infarction (MI) typically presents with severe and prolonged chest pain or discomfort that is not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. MI is characterized by myocardial necrosis due to prolonged ischemia, often resulting from the occlusion of a coronary artery by a thrombus or plaque rupture. While chest pressure and breathlessness are symptoms commonly associated with MI, the transient nature of the symptoms described by the client, as well as their relief after rest, is more indicative of stable angina rather than MI.
B. Unstable angina:
Unstable angina is characterized by new-onset angina, increasing frequency, or worsening intensity of angina symptoms. It is considered a medical emergency as it may precede a myocardial infarction. However, unstable angina typically presents with symptoms at rest or with minimal exertion and is not usually relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. The client's symptoms, which are relieved by rest, are more consistent with stable angina.
C. Stable angina:
Stable angina is characterized by predictable chest pain or discomfort that occurs with exertion or stress and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. The symptoms described by the client, including chest pressure and breathlessness that improve with rest, are consistent with stable angina. Stable angina occurs due to transient myocardial ischemia caused by an imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand, often related to coronary artery disease.
D. Prinzmetal angina:
Prinzmetal angina, also known as variant angina, is characterized by chest pain or discomfort that occurs at rest, often in the early morning hours, and is typically caused by coronary artery spasm rather than fixed atherosclerotic lesions. While Prinzmetal angina can present with transient symptoms similar to those described by the client, it is less common than stable angina and is often associated with transient ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram (ECG), which is not mentioned in the scenario.
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