The practical nurse (PN) applies and then releases pressure to a client's fingernail as seen in the photo. Normal nail color returns in 2 seconds. Which action should the PN take?
Report abnormal findings to the charge nurse.
Observe for blanching of the nailbed.
Repeat the process with a different nailbed.
Document the capillary refill time.
The Correct Answer is D
- Capillary refill time is a test that measures how quickly the blood returns to the tissues after pressure is applied and released on a nailbed or a fingertip. It is an indicator of peripheral circulation and tissue perfusion.
- To perform the capillary refill test, the examiner should press firmly on the nailbed or fingertip for a few seconds, then release the pressure and observe how long it takes for the normal color to return. The normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds .
- In the photo, the practical nurse (PN) applies and then releases pressure to a client's fingernail. Normal nail color returns in 2 seconds, which indicates a normal capillary refill time and adequate peripheral circulation. This is a normal and expected finding that does not require any further action, except for documentation.
- Therefore, option D is the correct answer, as it reflects the appropriate and standard nursing practice of documenting any assessment findings in the client's chart. Option D also implies that the PN does not need to report, observe, or repeat anything else related to the capillary refill test, as it was done correctly and yielded normal results.
- Options A, B, and C are incorrect answers, as they do not reflect the appropriate or necessary actions for the PN to take after performing a normal capillary refill test.
Option A is incorrect because there are no abnormal findings to report to the charge nurse, as the capillary refill time was normal.
Option B is incorrect because blanching of the nailbed is what happens when pressure is applied, not when
it is released, and it is not an abnormal finding.
Option C is incorrect because repeating the process with a different nailbed is not necessary, as the capillary refill time was normal on the first nailbed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Palpate the degree of edema. This is incorrect because palpating the degree of edema requires clinical judgment and skill, which are beyond the scope of practice of an AP.
B. Regulate IV pump fluid rate. This is incorrect because regulating IV pump fluid rate is a nursing responsibility that involves calculating and adjusting the infusion rate based on the client's condition and orders.
C. Measure the client's daily weight. This is correct because measuring the client's daily weight is a routine task that can be delegated to an AP, as long as the nurse provides clear instructions and monitors the results. The client's daily weight is an indicator of fluid balance and can help evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
D. Assess the client's vital signs. This is incorrect because assessing the client's vital signs requires interpretation and analysis of data, which are nursing functions that cannot be delegated to an AP.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Incorrect. A 1-inch needle may not be long enough to reach the muscle layer in an obese client, which may result in subcutaneous injection and reduced absorption of the medication.
B. Incorrect. A 45° angle may not be appropriate for an IM injection, as it may cause the needle to enter at an oblique angle and miss the muscle layer or hit a bone or nerve.
C. Correct. The ventrogluteal site is preferred for IM injections in obese clients, as it has less subcutaneous fat and a large muscle mass that can accommodate larger volumes of medication.
D. Incorrect. Pinching the skin up during injection may cause the needle to enter at a shallow angle and deposit the medication in the subcutaneous tissue instead of the muscle layer.
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