The practical nurse (PN) is reviewing a client's recent ophthalmic screening test results. Findings of optic neuropathy, loss of peripheral vision, and increased intraocular pressure are consistent with which medical condition?

The correct answer is Choice B. Report the finding to the charge nurse. Choice A rationale:

Checking for kinks in the drainage tubing is an important troubleshooting step if there is a sudden decrease or absence of urine output. However, in this case, the PN's concern is the presence of thick red fluid with clots in the urine drainage. This finding indicates potential bleeding, which requires immediate attention and reporting.

Choice B rationale:

Reporting the finding to the charge nurse is the correct action. The presence of thick red fluid with clots in the urine suggests significant bleeding after the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) surgery. It is crucial to inform the charge nurse or the healthcare provider promptly so that appropriate interventions can be initiated to address the bleeding.

Choice C rationale:

Stopping the irrigation solution immediately may not be within the PN's scope of practice unless explicitly instructed by the healthcare provider. Moreover, abruptly stopping the irrigation may lead to complications, and it is essential to involve the charge nurse or healthcare provider in making this decision.

Choice D rationale:

Observing the drainage again in one hour is not appropriate in this situation. The presence of thick red fluid with clots in the urine drainage is an urgent concern that requires immediate action, not a wait-and-see approach.

The correct answer is choice B: Thinning of the skin with loss of elasticity.

Choice A rationale:

While a decreased ability to communicate can be a significant challenge in elderly clients, it is not the primary physical characteristic of aging that contributes to the risk of pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers develop due to prolonged pressure on specific areas of the skin, leading to reduced blood flow and tissue damage.
Choice B rationale:

Thinning of the skin with loss of elasticity is a critical physical characteristic of aging that contributes to the risk of pressure ulcers. As the skin becomes thinner and less elastic with age, it becomes more susceptible to injury from pressure and shear forces, increasing the likelihood of developing pressure ulcers.

Choice C rationale:

A 16 percent increase in overall body fat does not directly contribute to the risk of pressure ulcers. While changes in body composition occur with aging, the primary risk factors for pressure ulcers are related to skin integrity and mobility, not body fat percentage.

Choice D rationale:

Calcium loss in the bones (osteoporosis) is not the main contributing factor to pressure ulcers. Osteoporosis primarily affects bone density and strength but does not directly influence the development of pressure ulcers.