The nurse, who is assessing a client with peripheral vascular disease, notes that the client has no hair on the legs and has thick toenails. Which statement describes the cause of this finding?
Decreased hair is most likely a hereditary condition and nail changes are related to fungus.
A blood clot may be forming and the client needs immediate intervention.
Decreased oxygen to the tissues causes changes in hair growth and nail texture.
Depending on the client's age, the findings may be normal.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Decreased hair is most likely a hereditary condition and nail changes are related to fungus is not the statement that describes the cause of this finding. This statement is not based on evidence and does not explain the relationship between peripheral vascular disease and the observed changes in the legs and feet.
Choice B reason: A blood clot may be forming and the client needs immediate intervention is not the statement that describes the cause of this finding. This statement is an alarmist and inaccurate interpretation of the finding. A blood clot would cause more acute and severe symptoms, such as pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area.
Choice C reason: Decreased oxygen to the tissues causes changes in hair growth and nail texture is the statement that describes the cause of this finding. This statement is based on the pathophysiology of peripheral vascular disease, which is a chronic condition that reduces the blood flow to the extremities due to atherosclerosis or inflammation of the blood vessels. The reduced blood flow leads to tissue ischemia and necrosis, which can manifest as hair loss, thickening and yellowing of the nails, skin ulcers, and gangrene.
Choice D reason: Depending on the client's age, the findings may be normal is not the statement that describes the cause of this finding. This statement is a vague and dismissive response that does not address the underlying problem of peripheral vascular disease. The findings are not normal for any age group and require further assessment and intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Chlorthalidone and atenolol are used to treat hypertension⁴⁵. However, administering the medication when the blood pressure is 90/60 might not be advisable. This is because atenolol, a beta-blocker, can further lower the heart rate and blood pressure¹¹⁷. Therefore, it's important to monitor the patient's blood pressure before administration¹.
Choice B reason: Atenolol can slow the heart rate¹¹⁷. If the heart rate is already less than 60 beats per minute, which is the lower limit of the normal range¹, the medication should be held and the healthcare provider should be notified⁵.
Choice C reason: One of the side effects of atenolol and chlorthalidone is dizziness or lightheadedness¹¹⁷. Teaching the patient to dangle their feet before standing can help prevent orthostatic hypotension, a form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down¹¹.
Choice D reason: Chlorthalidone is a diuretic that can cause the body to lose potassium¹¹⁷. However, atenolol does not have this effect⁵. Therefore, it's not necessary to limit the intake of potassium-rich foods unless advised by a healthcare provider.
Choice E reason: Monitoring fluid intake and output is important when administering diuretics like chlorthalidone⁵. This can help ensure the patient is not becoming dehydrated and help monitor the medication's effectiveness¹¹.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: The international normalized ratio (INR) is a measure of the blood's ability to clot. It is not affected by ferrous sulfate therapy, which is used to treat iron deficiency anemia. The normal range of INR is 0.8 to 1.2 seconds.
Choice B reason: Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. It is the main indicator of anemia and the response to iron therapy. The normal range of hemoglobin for adults is 12 to 18 g/dL. A hemoglobin level of 14 g/dL suggests that the patient's anemia has improved with ferrous sulfate therapy.
Choice C reason: Serum iron is the amount of iron in the blood. It is not a reliable indicator of anemia or iron therapy, as it can fluctuate with dietary intake, infection, inflammation, and other factors. The normal range of serum iron for adults is 50 to 170 mcg/dL.
Choice D reason: Platelet count is the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are involved in blood clotting and wound healing. They are not affected by ferrous sulfate therapy, which is used to treat iron deficiency anemia. The normal range of platelet count for adults is 150,000 to 450,000/mm3.
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