When performing a neurologic assessment on an alert client, the nurse observes that the client's pupils are both round, 3 mm in size, and respond briskly to light. Which notation should the nurse use when documenting the assessment?

Pupils equal, round, reacts to light, and accommodation (PERLA).

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 15.

Pupils equal, round, reacts to light (PERRL).

Neurological status intact.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A Reason:
Pupils equal, round, reacts to light, and accommodation (PERLA) is inappropriate. While PERLA includes accommodation, which involves constriction of the pupils when focusing on a near object, accommodation was not specifically assessed or mentioned in the scenario. Therefore, it would be inaccurate to include it in the documentation based solely on the information provided.
Choice B Reason:
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 15 is inappropriate. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) assesses the level of consciousness based on eye, verbal, and motor responses. However, the scenario does not provide information about the client's verbal or motor responses, so using the GCS score of 15 would not accurately reflect the findings described in the assessment of the pupils.
Choice C Reason:
Pupils equal, round, reacts to light (PERRL) is appropriate. This notation describes the key observations made during the assessment of the client's pupils. "PERRL" stands for Pupils Equal, Round, and Reactive to Light. In the given scenario, both pupils are equal in size, round, and demonstrate a brisk response to light, indicating normal pupillary function.
Choice D Reason:
Neurological status intact is inappropriate. While the assessment findings suggest normal pupillary function, documenting "neurological status intact" is a broader statement that encompasses various aspects of neurological function beyond just pupillary assessment. It may be accurate to describe the pupillary findings within the context of a broader neurological assessment, but it does not specifically address the pupil findings as described in the scenario. Therefore, option C is the most appropriate notation for documenting the assessment findings of the pupils.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Palpating the client's dorsalis pedis pulses is appropriate because shiny lower legs with no hair growth are characteristic findings of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which commonly occurs in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Palpating the client's dorsalis pedis pulses allows the nurse to assess peripheral arterial perfusion. Weak or absent dorsalis pedis pulses may indicate decreased blood flow to the feet and lower extremities, supporting the diagnosis of PAD.
Choice B Reason:
Asking if the client often feels weak or hungry is less relevant to the assessment findings of shiny lower legs with no hair growth. While it is important to assess for symptoms of hypoglycemia in clients with diabetes mellitus, such as weakness or hunger, these symptoms do not directly correlate with the observed peripheral vascular changes.
Choice C Reason:
Comparing the range of motion of both legs is less relevant to the assessment findings of shiny lower legs with no hair growth. Range of motion assessment is important for assessing joint function and mobility but does not provide information specifically related to peripheral vascular status.
Choice D Reason:
Measuring the client's capillary glucose is less relevant to the assessment findings of shiny lower legs with no hair growth. While it is important to monitor blood glucose levels in clients with diabetes mellitus, capillary glucose measurement does not provide information specifically related to peripheral vascular status or the observed findings of PAD.

A. Excoriation. B. Papules. C. Wheals. D. Fissuring.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Excoriation is incorrect. Excoriation refers to scratch marks or abrasions on the skin caused by scratching or rubbing. While excoriation can occur as a result of scratching due to itching caused by an allergic reaction, it is not a specific characteristic of an allergic reaction to an insect bite. However, it may develop secondary to the itching associated with insect bites.
Choice B Reason:
Papules are incorrect. Papules are small, raised bumps on the skin that can have various causes, including insect bites. While papules can sometimes accompany an allergic reaction to insect bites, they are not as characteristic as wheals (hives) in such reactions. Papules may also represent other skin conditions or reactions, so they are not as specific to allergic reactions as wheals.
Choice C Reason:
Wheals are correct. Wheals, also known as hives or urticaria, are raised, red, itchy areas of the skin that often occur as part of an allergic reaction to insect bites, medications, foods, or other allergens. Wheals are typically transient and can vary in size and shape. Excoriation (choice A) refers to scratch marks or abrasions on the skin caused by scratching or rubbing.
Choice D Reason:
Fissuring is incorrect. Fissuring refers to deep cracks or splits in the skin's surface. Fissures are not typically associated with allergic reactions to insect bites. Instead, they may occur in conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or severe dry skin. Therefore, while skin fissuring may occur in some skin conditions, it is not a typical finding in allergic reactions to insect bites.

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When performing a neurologic assessment on an alert client, the nurse observes that the client's pupils are both round, 3 mm in size, and respond briskly to light. Which notation should the nurse use when documenting the assessment?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse observes that the lower legs of a client with diabetes mellitus are shiny with no hair growth. To obtain additional data to support these findings, which assessment should the nurse perform?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

An adult client exhibits an allergic reaction to an Insect bite. The nurse should observe the client's skin for which finding?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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