The nurse is taking health history for a client who reports pain in his lower left leg and foot when walking. The pain is relieved with rest, and the nurse observes the left leg is hairless and slightly edematous. The nurse recognizes this as which medical diagnosis or health problem?
Coronary artery disease (CAD)
Arterial embolus
Raynaud disease
Intermittent claudication
The Correct Answer is D
A. Coronary artery disease (CAD):
Coronary artery disease primarily affects the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle. Symptoms often include chest pain (angina) rather than pain in the lower extremities. The symptoms described in the scenario are not characteristic of CAD.
B. Arterial embolus:
An arterial embolus is a blood clot or debris that travels through the bloodstream and can block an artery. While it can cause decreased blood flow and pain, the presentation in the lower left leg and foot with relief of pain at rest is more suggestive of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or intermittent claudication rather than an acute arterial embolus.
C. Raynaud disease:
Raynaud's disease is characterized by episodes of reduced blood flow to the extremities, usually triggered by cold or stress. It typically involves color changes (white, blue, red) in the fingers or toes. The symptoms described, including pain in the lower leg and foot during walking, are not typical of Raynaud's disease.
D. Intermittent claudication:
Intermittent claudication is a symptom associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). It involves pain or cramping in the legs during physical activity, such as walking, due to reduced blood flow to the muscles. Rest typically relieves the pain. The observation of a hairless leg and slight edema suggests potential vascular compromise in the lower extremity, supporting the diagnosis of intermittent claudication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Kyphosis and clubbing of the fingers:
Kyphosis refers to an excessive forward curvature of the spine, which is not directly related to diminished breath sounds. Clubbing of the fingers is often associated with chronic respiratory conditions, but it is not directly linked to the finding of diminished breath sounds.
B. Dyspnea and hypoxemia:
Dyspnea (shortness of breath) and hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood) are common symptoms in COPD, but diminished breath sounds may indicate an additional concern, such as pneumothorax or other complications.
C. Sepsis and pneumothorax:
Diminished breath sounds can be a sign of pneumothorax, a condition where air accumulates in the pleural space, leading to lung collapse. Sepsis is a risk in clients with COPD due to the potential for respiratory infections. Monitoring for these complications is crucial.
D. Bradypnea and pursed-lip breathing:
Bradypnea (slow breathing) and pursed-lip breathing are coping mechanisms that individuals with COPD may use to manage their breathing difficulties. While they are relevant in the context of COPD, they are not directly associated with the finding of diminished breath sounds.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. To ensure long-term prevention of asthma exacerbations:
This statement is not accurate. Prednisone is typically not used for long-term prevention of asthma exacerbations. It is more commonly prescribed for short-term use during acute exacerbations to quickly reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.
B. To gain control of inadequately controlled, persistent asthma:
This is the most accurate explanation. Prednisone is often prescribed to gain control over inadequately controlled, persistent asthma by providing anti-inflammatory effects and helping to manage symptoms during acute episodes.
C. To cure any systemic infection underlying asthma attacks:
Prednisone is not used to cure infections. While it can have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, its primary role in asthma is to reduce airway inflammation and control symptoms, not to treat underlying infections.
D. To prevent recurrent pulmonary infections:
Prednisone is not typically prescribed for the prevention of infections. Its use in asthma is more focused on managing inflammation and symptoms during acute exacerbations rather than preventing infections.
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