While assessing a client, the nurse notices that the client's legs are asymmetrical. Which additional physical data should the nurse collect?

Perform passive range of motion and compare the findings.

Compare measured circumferences of each extremity joint.

Instruct client to walk across room and observe the gait.

Measure the length of each leg and document the findings.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A Reason:
Performing passive range of motion and compare the findings is inappropriate. While assessing passive range of motion can provide information about joint mobility and flexibility, it may not directly address the asymmetry observed in the legs. Range of motion assessment is more relevant for evaluating joint function and flexibility rather than leg length asymmetry.
Choice B Reason:
Comparing measured circumferences of each extremity joint is inappropriate. Measuring circumferences of extremity joints may help identify differences in muscle mass or swelling, but it may not directly address the asymmetrical leg length observed. Circumference measurements are more relevant for assessing muscle bulk or detecting signs of edema rather than leg length asymmetry.
Choice C Reason:
Instructing client to walk across the room and observe the gait is inappropriate. Observing the client's gait can provide valuable information about their walking pattern and any abnormalities in movement. While an abnormal gait may be associated with leg length asymmetry, directly measuring leg length would provide more precise data for evaluation.
Choice D Reason:
Measuring the length of each leg and document the findings is appropriate. Measuring the length of each leg can help identify any significant differences in leg length, which could be contributing to the asymmetry observed. Leg length discrepancy can result from various musculoskeletal conditions such as scoliosis, hip dysplasia, or unequal growth rates. Documenting the findings allows for accurate tracking of changes over time and provides important information for healthcare providers to determine appropriate interventions, such as orthotic devices or physical therapy.

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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. Syncope. B. Acute pain. C. Tetany. D. Dyspnea.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Syncope is incorrect. Syncope, or fainting, can occur in individuals experiencing severe respiratory distress or hypoxia. Pursed-lip breathing is often used as a technique to manage dyspnea and improve oxygenation, which can help prevent syncope by ensuring adequate ventilation and oxygen delivery to the body's tissues. However, syncope is not the primary concern associated with the observation of pursed-lip breathing; instead, it is a potential consequence of inadequate oxygenation.
Choice B Reason:
Acute pain is not directly related to the observation of pursed-lip breathing. Pursed-lip breathing is a technique used to manage dyspnea and improve ventilation efficiency in individuals with respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma exacerbation. While pain can exacerbate respiratory distress in some cases, the primary focus when observing pursed-lip breathing is to assess and address respiratory status rather than pain management.
Choice C Reason:
Tetany is incorrect. Tetany, characterized by muscle spasms due to low calcium levels, is not directly associated with the observation of pursed-lip breathing. Pursed-lip breathing is a respiratory technique used to manage dyspnea and improve ventilation in individuals with respiratory conditions such as COPD or asthma. While respiratory distress can lead to various physiological responses, tetany is not a typical manifestation observed in individuals using pursed-lip breathing.
Choice D Reason:
Dyspnea is correct. Pursed-lip breathing is a technique often used by individuals with respiratory conditions to relieve shortness of breath and improve breathing efficiency. The primary reason for using pursed-lip breathing is to help alleviate dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, by promoting more effective exhalation and preventing airway collapse during expiration. Monitoring for dyspnea is crucial in this situation to assess the client's respiratory status, including the severity of breathing difficulty and any associated symptoms, and to guide further interventions to address the underlying cause of dyspnea. While syncope (fainting), acute pain, and tetany (muscle spasms due to low calcium levels) are potential concerns in certain clinical contexts, they are not directly associated with the observation of pursed-lip breathing. Therefore, dyspnea is the most relevant problem for the nurse to monitor in this scenario.

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While assessing a client, the nurse notices that the client's legs are asymmetrical. Which additional physical data should the nurse collect?

Nursing Test Bank

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

When entering a client's room, the nurse observes that the client is using pursed-lip breathing. It is most important for the nurse to monitor the client for which problem?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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