When performing a skin and nail exam on an older adult female client, the nurse notes that she has longitudinal ridges on her fingernails. What does this finding indicate?

An expected variation.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Fungal infection.

Psoriasis.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   Longitudinal ridges on the fingernails are a common finding in older adults and often do not indicate any underlying health problems. These ridges may develop due to normal aging processes as the rate of nail growth slows.
B.   While COPD can cause changes in the nails, such as clubbing, longitudinal ridges are not typically associated with this condition. COPD is more likely to cause cyanosis and other signs related to poor oxygenation.
C.   A fungal infection usually causes discoloration, thickening, or brittleness in nails, but not longitudinal ridges. Fungal infections would likely affect the overall appearance of the nail rather than causing isolated ridges.
D.   Psoriasis can cause pitting, scaling, or thickening of the nails, but longitudinal ridges are not characteristic of this condition. Psoriasis typically affects the skin more than the nails, though it can lead to changes in nail structure.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. A decrease in hematocrit from 36% to 32% suggests ongoing blood loss and that the client’s GI bleeding has not yet resolved. Hematocrit is a key indicator of the client’s blood volume and oxygen- carrying capacity.
B. Hemoglobin A1C reflects long-term blood sugar control, not current blood loss. A change in A1C is not indicative of GI bleeding resolution.
C. An increase in prothrombin time (PT) from 12 to 18 seconds indicates clotting abnormalities, which may occur with liver dysfunction or anticoagulant therapy, but it doesn't directly relate to GI bleeding resolution.
D. A positive to negative change in the guaiac test (fecal occult blood test) would indicate that the blood in the stool is no longer present, suggesting resolution of bleeding, which doesn’t match the question’s context.

A. Advise the client to see his healthcare provider for immediate evaluation. B. Ask the client if he often spends time outside in the sun without a shirt. C. Encourage the client to keep checking the mole with a magnifying mirror. D. Offer to teach a family member how to monitor the skin around the mole.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. A mole that changes color and size is concerning for melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Immediate evaluation by a healthcare provider is essential for diagnosis and possible biopsy.
B. While sun exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer, the priority is to have the mole evaluated by a healthcare provider rather than focus on past behaviors.
C. Encouraging self-monitoring is not a priority when the mole shows signs of malignancy.
D. Teaching family members to monitor is secondary to seeking professional evaluation.

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When performing a skin and nail exam on an older adult female client, the nurse notes that she has longitudinal ridges on her fingernails. What does this finding indicate?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client asks the nurse to look at a mole located on the back. The client tells the nurse that the mole has changed from brown to black and enlarged in size. Which is the priority nursing action?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse observes that a client who is intoxicated has an ataxic gait. Which finding does the nurse expect to be positive upon further assessment of the client?

The nurse learns in report that a client is stuporous. Which assessment should the nurse perform to confirm this report?

Which subjective assessment data supports the nurse's conclusion that a client is experiencing orthopnea?

When assessing an older adult client with a history of cardiovascular disease, dyspnea, and peripheral edema, which method is best for the nurse to use to assess the client's pulse rate?

The nurse is performing oral inspection of a client with dark pigmented skin. The nurse observes a patchy discoloration of the buccal mucosa. Which action should the nurse take?

When assessing an older adult client, which finding is most indicative of dehydration?

Patient Data Exhibits Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices area to specify which condition the client is most likely experiencing, two actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.