The nurse notes an enlarged, visible lymph node on the client's neck. Which action should the nurse take next?
Cover the inflamed area and notify the healthcare provider.
Auscultate the lymph node for the presence of a bruit.
Ask the client about any localized tenderness at the site.
Record this normal finding in the assessment record.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Covering the inflamed area and notify the healthcare provider suggests taking precautions to protect the inflamed area and promptly informing the healthcare provider. While it's important to notify the healthcare provider about any concerning findings, covering the area without further assessment may prevent the nurse from gathering additional information that could be helpful in determining the cause of the lymph node enlargement.
Choice B Reason:
Auscultating the lymph node for the presence of a bruit involves listening for abnormal sounds (bruits) over the lymph node, which could indicate underlying vascular abnormalities. While it's important to assess lymph nodes for abnormalities, such as tenderness or enlargement, auscultation for bruits is not a standard assessment technique for lymph nodes.
Choice C Reason:
Asking the client about any localized tenderness at the site involves directly gathering information from the client about their experience of tenderness at the site of the enlarged lymph node. This information can provide valuable clues about the nature of the lymph node enlargement, such as whether it is inflamed due to infection or inflammation.
Choice D Reason:
Recording this normal finding in the assessment record assumes that the nurse considers the enlarged and visible lymph node as a normal finding. However, enlarged and visible lymph nodes are not typically considered normal and may indicate an underlying health issue that requires further assessment and intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Fluid volume excess is incorrect. Fluid volume excess refers to an overabundance of fluid in the body, leading to symptoms such as edema, weight gain, and hypertension. However, a BMI of 14 kg/m^2 indicates underweight, not fluid volume excess. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice B Reason:
Unbalanced nutrition, less than body needs is correct. A BMI of less than 18.5 indicates underweight according to the provided reference range. Underweight individuals often do not consume enough nutrients to meet their body's needs, leading to potential nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, the nursing problem of "Unbalanced nutrition, less than body needs" is appropriate for addressing the client's low BMI.
Choice C Reason:
Unbalanced nutrition, greater than body needs is incorrect. This choice would be more applicable if the client's BMI indicated overweight or obesity, as it suggests an excess intake of nutrients relative to the body's needs. However, a BMI of 14 kg/m^2 indicates underweight, not excess weight. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice D Reason:
Fluid volume deficit is incorrect. Fluid volume deficit refers to a decreased amount of fluid in the body, leading to symptoms such as dehydration, decreased urine output, and hypotension. However, a low BMI does not necessarily indicate fluid volume deficit; it primarily reflects undernutrition. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Recently had dental surgery is incorrect. Dental surgery may involve procedures that could cause minor trauma to the oral tissues, leading to localized bruising (ecchymosis) around the mouth or jaw area. However, this localized bruising would typically not explain the presence of ecchymosis observed on the trunk and extremities. Therefore, while dental surgery may be relevant to the client's overall health history, it is less likely to directly relate to the widespread ecchymosis observed.
Choice B Reason:
Takes an oral anticoagulant is correct. Taking an oral anticoagulant medication increases the risk of bleeding, which can manifest as ecchymosis (bruising) on the skin. Anticoagulants such as warfarin or aspirin can interfere with the blood's ability to clot, leading to bleeding into the skin and subsequent ecchymosis. Therefore, this information is particularly important to follow up on as it may directly contribute to the observed ecchymosis.
Choice C Reason:
Adheres to a gluten-free diet is incorrect. Adhering to a gluten-free diet is typically related to managing celiac disease or gluten intolerance, which primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract. While celiac disease can be associated with certain skin conditions, ecchymosis is not a typical manifestation of gluten intolerance. Therefore, while this information may be relevant to the client's overall health, it is less likely to directly explain the observed ecchymosis.
Choice D Reason:
Works in a day care center is incorrect. Working in a day care center may involve activities that could result in minor injuries or bruises, but it is less likely to explain widespread ecchymosis observed on the trunk and extremities. While accidental injuries are possible in a daycare setting, they would typically be localized and not widespread. Therefore, while this information may be relevant to the client's occupation and risk of injury, it is less likely to directly relate to the observed ecchymosis.
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