The triage nurse in the emergency department is assessing a client who reports pain and swelling in the right lower leg. The client's pain became much worse last night and appeared along with fever, chills, and sweating. The client states, "I hit my leg on the car door 4 or 5 days ago, and the sore is getting bigger" The client has a history of diabetes mellitus type 2. Which condition should the nurse anticipate for this client?
Venous thromboembolism (VTE)
Cellulitis
Arterial insufficiency
Thrombocytopenia
The Correct Answer is B
A. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) - While VTE can cause leg pain and swelling, the presence of fever, chills, and localized trauma history in this scenario points more toward cellulitis.
B. Cellulitis
The client's symptoms, including pain, swelling, fever, chills, and sweating, are indicative of cellulitis, which is a bacterial skin infection. The history of trauma to the leg (hitting the leg on the car door) could have introduced bacteria into the skin, leading to the infection. The client's diabetes mellitus type 2 also increases the risk of developing skin infections due to impaired immune function and circulation. Cellulitis often presents with localized pain, swelling, warmth, redness, and systemic symptoms like fever and chills. Immediate medical evaluation and appropriate antibiotic treatment are necessary for cellulitis.
C. Arterial insufficiency - Arterial insufficiency typically presents with symptoms like intermittent claudication, rest pain, and non-healing wounds due to poor circulation. The symptoms described in the scenario are more consistent with an acute infection (cellulitis) rather than chronic arterial insufficiency.
D. Thrombocytopenia - Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by low platelet count and does not directly cause localized pain, swelling, and redness in the leg as described in the scenario.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Foam:
Explanation: Foam dressings are highly absorbent and provide cushioning and protection to wounds. They are suitable for wounds with moderate to heavy drainage. While foam dressings are excellent for wound exudate management, they are not specifically designed for protecting bony prominences or areas with poor skin integrity.
B. Non-adherent:
Explanation: Non-adherent dressings are made from materials that do not stick to the wound bed. They are ideal for fragile skin, bony prominences, or superficial wounds where minimizing trauma during dressing changes is important. Non-adherent dressings are often used for preventing further skin damage in malnourished clients with poor skin integrity.
C. Ace bandage:
Explanation: Ace bandages, or elastic bandages, are primarily used for providing compression and support to injured joints or muscles. They are not designed for protecting bony prominences or fragile skin areas. Using an Ace bandage on a bony prominence could lead to pressure points and skin damage.
D. Hydrocolloid:
Explanation: Hydrocolloid dressings are absorbent and form a gel-like barrier when they come into contact with wound exudate. They provide a moist environment that supports healing and autolytic debridement. Hydrocolloid dressings are suitable for wounds with light to moderate drainage. While they are beneficial for certain wounds, they are not specifically indicated for protecting bony prominences in malnourished clients.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
No explanation
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