A client who has been hospitalized with an exacerbation of heart failure experiences severe dyspnea with activity and remains on bedrest. Which assessment finding provides the nurse with the earliest indication that the client is developing a pressure ulcer?
Thick, dry, and dark area on bilateral heels.
Broken skin without evidence of undermining.
Defined area of persistent redness over bone.
Superficial sacral ulcer with defined margins.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Thick, dry, dark areas on heels suggest chronic skin changes, not early pressure ulcers. Persistent redness over bone is the earliest sign (Stage 1). This indicates later damage, per pressure injury staging and prevention protocols in nursing care for immobile clients.
Choice B reason: Broken skin indicates a Stage 2 pressure ulcer, beyond the earliest stage. Persistent redness (Stage 1) signals initial tissue compromise. Broken skin requires intervention but is not the earliest sign, per pressure ulcer assessment and prevention standards in nursing practice.
Choice C reason: Persistent redness over bone is the earliest sign of a Stage 1 pressure ulcer, indicating tissue compromise due to pressure. Early intervention prevents progression in bedrest clients with heart failure, per pressure injury prevention and skin assessment protocols in nursing care.
Choice D reason: A superficial sacral ulcer (Stage 2) is more advanced than persistent redness (Stage 1), the earliest sign. Redness allows earlier intervention to prevent ulceration. Ulcers indicate progression, per pressure ulcer staging and prevention guidelines for immobile clients in nursing.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Avoiding heavy lifting is correct, as it increases intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma, damaging the optic nerve. This statement shows understanding, as limiting activities that elevate IOP protects retinal ganglion cells, reducing progression risk, aligning with proper glaucoma management strategies.
Choice B reason: Glaucoma can cause vision loss if untreated, as elevated IOP damages optic nerve fibers, leading to irreversible blindness. This statement reflects accurate understanding of the disease’s progressive nature, emphasizing the need for management to preserve vision, requiring no further teaching.
Choice C reason: Eye drops (e.g., timolol) reduce IOP but do not cure glaucoma or restore vision, as optic nerve damage is irreversible. This statement indicates misunderstanding, as glaucoma is chronic, requiring lifelong management to slow progression, necessitating further teaching to correct this misconception.
Choice D reason: Regular eye exams monitor IOP and optic nerve health in glaucoma, preventing progression. This statement shows understanding, as consistent follow-up detects changes in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, ensuring timely adjustments in therapy, aligning with effective disease management.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Elevated glucose (190 mg/dL) in pancreatitis needs monitoring but is less urgent than severe neutropenia (ANC <500/mm3), which risks life-threatening infections. Glucose can be managed with insulin, per diabetes and pancreatitis care protocols, but neutropenia requires immediate intervention.
Choice B reason: Hemoglobin of 7.0 g/dL in a GI bleed is critical but less immediate, as the client is receiving a transfusion. Neutropenia (ANC <500/mm3) poses an urgent infection risk, requiring isolation. Transfusion addresses anemia, per bleeding and hematology care standards.
Choice C reason: An ANC <500/mm3 indicates severe neutropenia, posing an immediate infection risk in cancer patients, requiring urgent isolation and antibiotics. This rapid drop from 2,000/mm3 demands priority intervention to prevent sepsis, per oncology and infection control protocols in nursing practice.
Choice D reason: Elevated bilirubin in hepatitis is concerning but less urgent than neutropenia (ANC <500/mm3), which risks sepsis. Jaundice requires monitoring and treatment, but severe infection risk takes precedence, per liver disease and critical care prioritization standards in nursing practice.
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