A client on bedrest complains of pain and burning in the right calf area. What is the nurse's next action?
Deeply palpate the area for rebound tenderness
Percuss over the area for a change in tone
Compare the circumference to the left calf
Medicate the client for pain and reassess in 60 minutes
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Deeply palpating the area for rebound tenderness is not the nurse's next action, because it is inappropriate and dangerous. Deeply palpating the area for rebound tenderness is a test that involves applying and releasing pressure on the abdomen, which can elicit pain or discomfort in the presence of peritonitis or appendicitis. Deeply palpating the area for rebound tenderness is not relevant or useful for the client's complaint of pain and burning in the right calf area, which may indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. Deeply palpating the area for rebound tenderness can also worsen the pain, damage the tissues, or dislodge the clot, which can cause pulmonary embolism, which is a lifethreatening condition.
Choice B reason: Percussing over the area for a change in tone is not the nurse's next action, because it is inappropriate and useless. Percussing over the area for a change in tone is a test that involves tapping on the chest or abdomen, which can produce different sounds depending on the density of the underlying organs or tissues. Percussing over the area for a change in tone is not relevant or useful for the client's complaint of pain and burning in the right calf area, which may indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. Percussing over the area for a change in tone can also worsen the pain, damage the tissues, or dislodge the clot, which can cause pulmonary embolism, which is a lifethreatening condition.
Choice C reason: Comparing the circumference to the left calf is the nurse's next action, because it is appropriate and useful. Comparing the circumference to the left calf is a test that involves measuring the size of the leg, which can reveal any swelling or edema in the affected area. Comparing the circumference to the left calf is relevant and useful for the client's complaint of pain and burning in the right calf area, which may indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. Comparing the circumference to the left calf can also help diagnose, monitor, or treat the condition, as a difference of more than 2 cm between the legs can suggest a DVT.
Choice D reason: Medicating the client for pain and reassessing in 60 minutes is not the nurse's next action, because it is inappropriate and delayed. Medicating the client for pain and reassessing in 60 minutes is an intervention that involves giving the client a painkiller and checking the response after an hour. Medicating the client for pain and reassessing in 60 minutes is not relevant or useful for the client's complaint of pain and burning in the right calf area, which may indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. Medicating the client for pain and reassessing in 60 minutes can also mask the symptoms, delay the diagnosis, or miss the opportunity to prevent the complications, such as pulmonary embolism, which is a lifethreatening condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the correct answer because opioids are a class of medications that act on the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to reduce pain perception and emotional response. Opioids do not have a direct effect on tissue inflammation or bone healing, but they can cause side effects such as constipation, nausea, sedation, respiratory depression, and addiction.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct answer because anticoagulants are a class of medications that prevent or reduce the formation of blood clots by interfering with the clotting factors or platelets. Anticoagulants do not have a direct effect on tissue inflammation or bone healing, but they can increase the risk of bleeding and hematoma formation, which can impair the blood supply and oxygen delivery to the injured tissues.
Choice C reason: This is the correct answer because NSAIDs are a class of medications that inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are inflammatory mediators that cause pain, swelling, and fever. NSAIDs can decrease tissue inflammation and pain, but they can also delay bone healing by reducing the formation of osteoblasts, which are cells that build new bone tissue.
Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because narcotics are another term for opioids, which are a class of medications that act on the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to reduce pain perception and emotional response. Narcotics do not have a direct effect on tissue inflammation or bone healing, but they can cause side effects such as constipation, nausea, sedation, respiratory depression, and addiction.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Use gentle brushing and flossing techniques for clients with fragile mucosa is an important nursing intervention, but it is not the priority. Gentle brushing and flossing can help prevent plaque, gingivitis, and infection in the oral cavity, especially for clients with fragile mucosa due to dehydration, medication, or radiation. However, this intervention is not as urgent as having a suction apparatus ready at the bedside.
Choice B reason: Handle dentures with care is an important nursing intervention, but it is not the priority. Handling dentures with care can prevent damage, loss, or misplacement of the dentures, which can affect the client's comfort, appearance, and nutrition. However, this intervention is not as urgent as having a suction apparatus ready at the bedside.
Choice C reason: Position the client on one side with the head turned towards you is an important nursing intervention, but it is not the priority. Positioning the client on one side with the head turned towards you can facilitate the access and visibility of the oral cavity, as well as prevent the aspiration of saliva, blood, or debris. However, this intervention is not as effective as having a suction apparatus ready at the bedside.
Choice D reason: Have a suction apparatus ready at the bedside is the priority nursing intervention, because it can prevent the aspiration of saliva, blood, or debris, which can cause choking, pneumonia, or respiratory distress. Having a suction apparatus ready at the bedside can allow the nurse to quickly and safely remove any secretions or foreign materials from the oral cavity or the airway of the unconscious client.
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