A 70-year-old male client who is convalescing from a hip replacement is identified as being at risk for developing a pressure ulcer. Which physical characteristic of aging contributes most to this risk factor?
A decreased ability to communicate.
Thinning of the skin with loss of elasticity.
A 16 percent increase in overall body fat.
Calcium loss in the bones.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B: Thinning of the skin with loss of elasticity.
Choice A rationale:
While a decreased ability to communicate can be a significant challenge in elderly clients, it is not the primary physical characteristic of aging that contributes to the risk of pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers develop due to prolonged pressure on specific areas of the skin, leading to reduced blood flow and tissue damage.
Choice B rationale:
Thinning of the skin with loss of elasticity is a critical physical characteristic of aging that contributes to the risk of pressure ulcers. As the skin becomes thinner and less elastic with age, it becomes more susceptible to injury from pressure and shear forces, increasing the likelihood of developing pressure ulcers.
Choice C rationale:
A 16 percent increase in overall body fat does not directly contribute to the risk of pressure ulcers. While changes in body composition occur with aging, the primary risk factors for pressure ulcers are related to skin integrity and mobility, not body fat percentage.
Choice D rationale:
Calcium loss in the bones (osteoporosis) is not the main contributing factor to pressure ulcers. Osteoporosis primarily affects bone density and strength but does not directly influence the development of pressure ulcers.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice A:
Assist in turning the client to one side. Choice A rationale:
When preparing a client with obstructive sleep apnea for sleep, the practical nurse (PN) should assist the client in turning to one side. This position is known as the lateral position and can be beneficial for clients with obstructive sleep apnea. Lying on one's side can help to reduce the likelihood of airway obstruction and minimize the occurrence of apnea (pauses in breathing) during sleep. This position promotes better airflow and can improve the client's overall sleep quality.
Choice B rationale:
Keeping oral suction equipment nearby (Choice B) might be appropriate for clients with respiratory issues or a risk of airway obstruction. However, it is not the best action for a client with obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea primarily involves upper airway collapse, not excessive secretions or obstructions in the oral cavity.
Choice C rationale:
Offering to bring the client a sleeping pill (Choice C) is not an appropriate action for a client with obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated episodes of blocked or restricted airflow during sleep. Sedative medications can further relax the muscles in the airway, worsening the condition and potentially leading to more severe apnea.
Choice D rationale:
Placing a cool air humidifier in the room (Choice D) may be helpful for clients who experience dryness or congestion in the airways during sleep. However, it is not specifically indicated for obstructive sleep apnea. While humidifiers can be beneficial for some sleep-related issues, they do not address the underlying cause of sleep apnea.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice B. Report the finding to the charge nurse. Choice A rationale:
Checking for kinks in the drainage tubing is an important troubleshooting step if there is a sudden decrease or absence of urine output. However, in this case, the PN's concern is the presence of thick red fluid with clots in the urine drainage. This finding indicates potential bleeding, which requires immediate attention and reporting.
Choice B rationale:
Reporting the finding to the charge nurse is the correct action. The presence of thick red fluid with clots in the urine suggests significant bleeding after the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) surgery. It is crucial to inform the charge nurse or the healthcare provider promptly so that appropriate interventions can be initiated to address the bleeding.
Choice C rationale:
Stopping the irrigation solution immediately may not be within the PN's scope of practice unless explicitly instructed by the healthcare provider. Moreover, abruptly stopping the irrigation may lead to complications, and it is essential to involve the charge nurse or healthcare provider in making this decision.
Choice D rationale:
Observing the drainage again in one hour is not appropriate in this situation. The presence of thick red fluid with clots in the urine drainage is an urgent concern that requires immediate action, not a wait-and-see approach.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today