The same patient reports that he was able to sleep through the night.
However, he notes continued numbness in his left arm, along with a tingling sensation, and is not able to move his fingers.
He also reports mild nausea and has no desire to eat breakfast.
There is a 3 cm by 5 cm area of blood noted on the bandage.
His left arm is warm to touch.
His left shoulder and collarbone are symmetric.
As a nurse, which findings would indicate that the patient is progressing as expected?

Choice A rationale

A thick, dry, and dark area on the heels could indicate a more advanced stage of a pressure injury, not the earliest indication.

Choice B rationale

Broken skin without evidence of undermining could also indicate a more advanced stage of a pressure injury.

Choice C rationale

A defined area of persistent redness over a bony prominence is often the earliest sign of a developing pressure injury. This is because these areas are more susceptible to pressure and have less padding to protect them.

Choice D rationale

A superficial sacral pressure injury with defined margins is a more advanced stage of a pressure injury.

Choice A rationale

Using the inhaler only when the patient is really short of breath is not an incorrect use of the inhaler. However, it might indicate that the patient is not managing their COPD effectively, as rescue inhalers like albuterol are meant to be used for quick relief of acute symptoms.

Choice B rationale

Having a hard time inhaling and holding the breath after squeezing the inhaler might suggest that the patient is not using the inhaler correctly. However, the patient’s statement that they “do their best” suggests that they are aware of the correct technique and are trying to follow it.

Choice C rationale

Swallowing after squeezing the inhaler is a clear indication of incorrect use. The medication from the inhaler is meant to be inhaled into the lungs, not swallowed. Swallowing the medication would lead to less of it reaching the lungs, reducing its effectiveness. The wave of nausea the patient experiences could be a side effect of swallowing the medication.

Choice D rationale

Shaking the inhaler several times before starting is actually part of the correct technique for using many types of inhalers.