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A client is experiencing numbness and tingling distal to a new arm cast with no increase in pain. The nurse assesses that the client's fingers are pale, cool, and swollen. What action does the nurse take next?
Encourage range of motion
Apply heat to the affected hand
Remove the cast to decrease pressure
Raise the arm above the level of the heart
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: This is not the best action because encouraging range of motion can worsen the symptoms and cause more damage to the nerves and blood vessels. Range of motion is the movement of the joints and muscles through their normal extent. Range of motion can help to prevent stiffness, contractures, and muscle atrophy, but it can also increase the swelling and pressure in the affected area, which can impair the circulation and sensation.
Choice B reason: This is not the best action because applying heat to the affected hand can worsen the symptoms and cause more damage to the tissues. Heat is the transfer of thermal energy from a warmer object to a cooler one. Heat can help to relax the muscles, reduce the pain, and increase the blood flow, but it can also increase the inflammation and edema in the affected area, which can compromise the oxygen and nutrient delivery to the tissues.
Choice C reason: This is the best action because removing the cast can decrease the pressure and restore the circulation and sensation to the affected area. A cast is a rigid device that immobilizes and protects a fractured or injured body part. A cast can help to align the bones, prevent displacement, and promote healing, but it can also cause complications, such as compartment syndrome, infection, or nerve damage. Compartment syndrome is a condition where the pressure inside the muscles increases to dangerous levels, causing severe pain, reduced blood flow, and tissue death. The nurse should remove the cast immediately and notify the physician if the client shows signs of compartment syndrome, such as numbness, tingling, pallor, coolness, or swelling.
Choice D reason: This is not the best action because raising the arm above the level of the heart can worsen the symptoms and cause more damage to the nerves and blood vessels. Raising the arm above the level of the heart can help to reduce the swelling and pain in the affected area, but it can also reduce the blood flow and oxygenation to the area, which can lead to ischemia, necrosis, or gangrene. The nurse should elevate the arm at or below the level of the heart and monitor the pulse, color, temperature, and sensation of the fingers.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct statement because it reflects the fact that reexposure to HIV can increase the viral load and accelerate the decline of the immune system. HIV is a virus that infects and destroys the CD4 cells, which are the white blood cells that help fight infections. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, when the CD4 count falls below 200 cells/mm3 or the client develops an opportunistic infection. The progression from HIV to AIDS can vary from person to person, depending on several factors, such as viral strain, genetic factors, treatment adherence, and coinfections. Reexposure to HIV can expose the client to a different or more aggressive strain of the virus, which can overwhelm the immune system and hasten the development of AIDS.
Choice B reason: This is an incorrect statement because it ignores the role of nutrition in maintaining the health and function of the immune system. Diet can influence the progression of HIV to AIDS by affecting the client's weight, energy, metabolism, and susceptibility to infections. The client should eat a balanced and varied diet that provides adequate calories, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fluids. The client should also avoid foods that can cause diarrhea, dehydration, or food poisoning, which can worsen the symptoms and complications of HIV infection.
Choice C reason: This is an incorrect statement because it contradicts the evidence that shows that meditation can have positive effects on the psychological and physiological wellbeing of people living with HIV. Meditation is a mindbody practice that involves focusing attention on the present moment, breathing, and relaxation. Meditation can help the client cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and pain, which are common challenges for people living with HIV. Meditation can also improve the immune system function by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and cortisol levels, which can slow down the progression of HIV to AIDS.
Choice D reason: This is an incorrect statement because it overlooks the impact of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on the course of HIV infection. STIs can increase the risk of transmitting and acquiring HIV by causing ulcers, inflammation, or bleeding in the genital area, which can facilitate the entry and exit of the virus. STIs can also increase the viral load and decrease the CD4 count, which can speed up the progression of HIV to AIDS. The client should practice safe sex by using condoms, getting tested and treated for STIs, and informing their sexual partners about their HIV status.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: The client having a butterfly rash is not a concerning finding in a client with SLE. A butterfly rash is a malar rash that appears across the cheeks and the bridge of the nose. It is a common sign of SLE and may flare up or fade depending on the disease activity. It does not indicate any serious complication or organ damage.
Choice B reason: A blood pressure of 126/85 mm Hg is not a concerning finding in a client with SLE. This blood pressure is within the normal range and does not indicate hypertension or hypotension. Hypertension is a possible complication of SLE that may affect the kidneys, the heart, or the brain. Hypotension may indicate shock, dehydration, or infection.
Choice C reason: The client reporting chronic fatigue is not a concerning finding in a client with SLE. Chronic fatigue is a common symptom of SLE that affects the quality of life and the ability to perform daily activities. It may be caused by inflammation, pain, anemia, depression, or medication side effects. It does not indicate any acute or lifethreatening condition.
Choice D reason: A urine output of 20 mL/hour is a concerning finding in a client with SLE. This urine output is below the normal range of 30 to 50 mL/hour and indicates oliguria, which is a reduced urine production. Oliguria may indicate acute kidney injury, which is a serious complication of SLE that may lead to renal failure or death. The nurse should monitor the client's urine output, fluid balance, electrolytes, and kidney function and report any abnormal findings to the provider.
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