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 C
Explanation
A. Manage bladder irrigation following the procedure. - Bladder irrigation is not typically performed after ESWL. It may be used in other urological procedures, but it is not a standard post-procedural care for ESWL.
B. Administer a bolus of 750 mL normal saline following the procedure. - While maintaining hydration is important, there is no specific requirement for a bolus of normal saline after ESWL. Hydration is usually encouraged, but the amount and method of administration are determined based on the client's overall fluid status and medical condition.
C. Strain the client's urine following the procedure.
After extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), it is essential to strain the client's urine to collect any stone fragments. Straining allows healthcare providers to analyze the composition of the stones, ensuring that all fragments have been passed. This information helps in assessing the effectiveness of the procedure and guides further management.
D. Insert a urinary catheter for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. - Inserting a urinary catheter is not a routine post-procedural measure after ESWL. Catheterization might be necessary in certain situations or for specific medical reasons, but it is not a standard practice after ESWL for all clients.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Increased urinary output: Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) does not directly impact urinary output. Its primary function is to provide relief from urinary pain, burning, and discomfort associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) or other urinary conditions. It does not affect the amount of urine a person produces.
B. Decreased WBC's: Phenazopyridine does not directly influence white blood cell count (WBCs). WBC count is an indicator of the body's immune response and is typically used to assess the presence of infection. Phenazopyridine provides symptomatic relief but does not affect the underlying infection or the body's immune response to it.
C. Increased uric acid: Phenazopyridine does not affect uric acid levels. Uric acid is a waste product that is excreted by the kidneys. Elevated uric acid levels can be associated with conditions like gout, but Phenazopyridine does not have any direct impact on these levels.
D. Decreased bladder pain/spasms: Phenazopyridine is intended to relieve symptoms such as bladder pain, spasms, burning sensation, and discomfort experienced during urination. Therefore, the effectiveness of Phenazopyridine is indicated by a reduction in these symptoms. If the patient reports a decrease in bladder pain and spasms, it suggests that the medication is working to alleviate the discomfort associated with urinary tract issues.
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