When inspecting the client's skin, the nurse observes several areas of ecchymosis on the trunk and extremities. Which information in the client's history requires additional follow-up by the nurse?
Recently had dental surgery.
Takes an oral anticoagulant.
Adheres to a gluten free diet.
Works in a day care center.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Recently had dental surgery is incorrect. Dental surgery may involve procedures that could cause minor trauma to the oral tissues, leading to localized bruising (ecchymosis) around the mouth or jaw area. However, this localized bruising would typically not explain the presence of ecchymosis observed on the trunk and extremities. Therefore, while dental surgery may be relevant to the client's overall health history, it is less likely to directly relate to the widespread ecchymosis observed.
Choice B Reason:
Takes an oral anticoagulant is correct. Taking an oral anticoagulant medication increases the risk of bleeding, which can manifest as ecchymosis (bruising) on the skin. Anticoagulants such as warfarin or aspirin can interfere with the blood's ability to clot, leading to bleeding into the skin and subsequent ecchymosis. Therefore, this information is particularly important to follow up on as it may directly contribute to the observed ecchymosis.
Choice C Reason:
Adheres to a gluten-free diet is incorrect. Adhering to a gluten-free diet is typically related to managing celiac disease or gluten intolerance, which primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract. While celiac disease can be associated with certain skin conditions, ecchymosis is not a typical manifestation of gluten intolerance. Therefore, while this information may be relevant to the client's overall health, it is less likely to directly explain the observed ecchymosis.
Choice D Reason:
Works in a day care center is incorrect. Working in a day care center may involve activities that could result in minor injuries or bruises, but it is less likely to explain widespread ecchymosis observed on the trunk and extremities. While accidental injuries are possible in a daycare setting, they would typically be localized and not widespread. Therefore, while this information may be relevant to the client's occupation and risk of injury, it is less likely to directly relate to the observed ecchymosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Chronic pancreatitis is incorrect. Chronic pancreatitis typically presents with persistent, dull abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, often aggravated by eating rather than relieved by it. The pain associated with chronic pancreatitis is not typically described as gnawing or relieved by eating.
Choice B Reason:
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is correct. Peptic ulcer disease involves the development of open sores (ulcers) in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcers) or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). The pain associated with PUD typically occurs in the epigastric region (upper abdomen) and can be described as gnawing, burning, or dull. The pain tends to worsen when the stomach is empty (hunger pains) and is relieved by eating or taking antacids. These symptoms are due to the increase in gastric acid secretion, which exacerbates the ulcer's irritation when the stomach is empty and is neutralized when food buffers the acid. Therefore, the presentation described is consistent with peptic ulcer disease (PUD).
Choice C Reason:
Esophagitis is incorrect. Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus and may present with symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or chest pain behind the breastbone. However, the symptoms described, particularly the worsening of pain when hungry and improvement after eating, are not typical of esophagitis.
Choice D Reason:
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is incorrect. While gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause epigastric discomfort or heartburn, the symptoms described in the scenario are more indicative of pain related to hunger and relief after eating, which is more characteristic of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Additionally, GERD symptoms are typically worsened by eating, lying down, or bending over, rather than improved.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Black tarry stools are inappropriate. Black tarry stools may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which is not directly related to the client's symptoms of suprapubic tenderness and pressure after urination. While it's important to consider other potential health issues, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, it may not be directly relevant to the client's current urinary symptoms.
Choice B Reason:
A cloudy discharge is inappropriate. A cloudy discharge may suggest an infection or inflammation in the urinary tract, but it is not specifically associated with the symptoms described by the client (suprapubic tenderness and pressure after urination). While urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur in older adults, they may present with symptoms such as urinary urgency, frequency, dysuria, and hematuria, rather than suprapubic tenderness and pressure after urination.
Choice C Reason:
An overactive bladder is inappropriate. While overactive bladder can cause urinary urgency and frequency, it is less likely to present with suprapubic tenderness and pressure after urination. Overactive bladder is characterized by sudden, involuntary contractions of the bladder muscles, leading to a frequent and urgent need to urinate. It may not directly explain the client's symptoms of suprapubic tenderness and pressure after urination, which are more suggestive of urinary obstruction due to BPH.
Choice D Reason:
A weak urinary stream is appropriate. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in older men characterized by noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which can lead to compression of the urethra and urinary symptoms. A weak urinary stream is a classic symptom of BPH due to the obstruction caused by the enlarged prostate gland, which interferes with the normal flow of urine. Therefore, the nurse should expect a weak urinary stream as an additional finding during the client interview, which is consistent with the suspected diagnosis of BPH.
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