A homeless client arrives in the emergency room. The client verbalizes an inability to bathe for at least one month. What is the nurse's priority?
Inspect the client's skin
Provide a towel and show the client to the shower
Ask if the client has been to a homeless shelter recently
Call a social worker
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Inspecting the client's skin is the nurse's priority, because it is the most urgent and relevant action. Inspecting the client's skin can help identify any signs of infection, injury, or infestation, such as wounds, rashes, ulcers, or lice. The client's skin may be compromised by the lack of hygiene, exposure to the elements, or poor nutrition. The client's skin may also be a source of transmission of pathogens to other clients or staff. Therefore, inspecting the client's skin is essential for the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of the client's condition.
Choice B reason: Providing a towel and showing the client to the shower is not the nurse's priority, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Providing a towel and showing the client to the shower is an important intervention, but it should be done after inspecting the client's skin and ensuring the safety and infection prevention of the client and others. The client may have wounds, rashes, or ulcers that need to be cleaned, dressed, or treated before bathing. The client may also have lice or scabies that need to be isolated and treated with special shampoos or creams before bathing. The client may also need assistance or supervision during bathing, depending on the client's physical and mental status.
Choice C reason: Asking if the client has been to a homeless shelter recently is not the nurse's priority, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Asking if the client has been to a homeless shelter recently is an important question, but it should be done after inspecting the client's skin and providing a towel and showing the client to the shower. The client's history of homelessness and shelter use may provide some information about the client's social and environmental factors, such as exposure to violence, abuse, or disease, or access to resources, services, or support. However, this information is not as critical as the client's skin condition, which may require immediate attention and care.
Choice D reason: Calling a social worker is not the nurse's priority, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Calling a social worker is an important referral, but it should be done after inspecting the client's skin, providing a towel and showing the client to the shower, and asking if the client has been to a homeless shelter recently. The social worker can help the client with the psychosocial and practical aspects of homelessness, such as finding a shelter, applying for benefits, accessing health care, or addressing mental health or substance abuse issues. However, this referral is not as urgent as the client's skin condition, which may require immediate attention and care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Blanching is the term that the nurse documents for this finding, because it describes the temporary whitening of the skin when pressure is applied. Blanching indicates that the blood vessels in the skin are constricted or compressed, and that the blood flow is reduced or interrupted. Blanching can be a normal response to cold, stress, or pressure, or it can be a sign of a problem, such as ischemia, infection, or inflammation.
Choice B reason: Warmth is not the term that the nurse documents for this finding, because it describes the increased temperature of the skin, not the color change. Warmth indicates that the blood vessels in the skin are dilated or expanded, and that the blood flow is increased or enhanced. Warmth can be a normal response to heat, exercise, or emotion, or it can be a sign of a problem, such as infection, inflammation, or allergy.
Choice C reason: Redness is not the term that the nurse documents for this finding, because it describes the original color of the skin, not the color change. Redness indicates that the blood vessels in the skin are dilated or expanded, and that the blood flow is increased or enhanced, as explained above. Redness can be a normal response to heat, exercise, or emotion, or it can be a sign of a problem, such as infection, inflammation, or allergy.
Choice D reason: Nonblanching is not the term that the nurse documents for this finding, because it describes the opposite of what the nurse observed. Nonblanching means that the skin does not turn white when pressure is applied, but rather remains red or purple. Nonblanching indicates that the blood vessels in the skin are damaged or ruptured, and that the blood has leaked into the surrounding tissues. Nonblanching can be a sign of a serious problem, such as bruising, bleeding, or necrosis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Pulmonary embolism is not the correct answer, because it is a condition that affects the lungs, not the arm. Pulmonary embolism is a blockage of one or more arteries in the lungs by a blood clot, which can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood.
Choice B reason: Ischial tuberosity is not the correct answer, because it is a bony projection on the pelvis, not the arm. Ischial tuberosity is the part of the pelvis that supports the weight of the body when sitting, and it can be injured by trauma, overuse, or infection.
Choice C reason: Compartment syndrome is the correct answer, because it is a condition that affects the arm, and it matches the symptoms of the client. Compartment syndrome is a serious complication of a traumatic injury, such as a fracture, that causes increased pressure within a closed space of the body, such as the forearm. This pressure can compromise the blood flow and nerve function of the affected area, causing pain, numbness, weakness, and pale skin.
Choice D reason: Broken arm syndrome is not the correct answer, because it is not a real medical condition. Broken arm syndrome is a madeup term that does not describe any specific diagnosis or treatment.
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