A homeless male client with a history of alcohol abuse had a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) 10 years ago that resulted in left hemiparesis. Today he is reporting pain in his left leg, is afebrile, has 4+ pitting edema in the lower left leg, and minimal swelling of the right leg. Which action should the nurse implement first?

Complete a mental status exam.

Obtain a blood alcohol level.

Inspect legs for infection or trauma.

Inquire about dietary salt intake.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   The client’s current symptoms—pain, significant leg edema, and swelling—are more pressing and suggest a need to evaluate the physical cause of these symptoms rather than focusing immediately on mental status.
B.   Obtaining a blood alcohol level might be relevant if there is a suspicion that recent alcohol use is contributing to the client’s condition or affecting his overall health. However, the primary concern in this case is the significant edema and pain in the left leg.
C.   This is the most pertinent action to take first. The client’s symptoms of severe edema and pain in one leg, along with a history of CVA and alcohol abuse, raise concerns about possible causes such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), infection, or trauma. Inspecting the legs for signs of infection or trauma (bruising, cuts) is crucial to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms and guide appropriate treatment.

D.   While excessive salt intake can contribute to fluid retention and edema, the degree of swelling described (4+ pitting edema) and the localized nature of the problem in the left leg make it less likely that dietary salt alone is the cause.

Nursing Test Bank

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Observing the chest and upper neck for a rash is not directly relevant to assessing tinnitus. Tinnitus is an auditory condition, and a rash in these areas would not typically provide information about the presence or effects of tinnitus. This option is not suitable for evaluating tinnitus.
B. Evaluating for a loss of peripheral vision is related to visual assessments rather than auditory conditions. Peripheral vision loss does not provide direct information about tinnitus or its effects. This option is not relevant to assessing the impact of tinnitus.
C. Assessing deep tendon reflexes is a neurological examination that helps evaluate the functioning of the nervous system but does not provide information about tinnitus. Tinnitus is related to auditory perception and not directly assessed through reflexes.
D. Performing a hearing test is directly relevant to evaluating tinnitus. Tinnitus often accompanies hearing loss or auditory dysfunction. A hearing test can help determine if there is a hearing impairment or other auditory issues associated with tinnitus.

A. A painful ulcerated mucosal area inside the cheek for 1 day. B. Stippled gingival margins that adhere firmly to the teeth. C. A number of small yellowish-white and raised lesions on the buccal mucosa. D. An ulceration under the tongue that has been present for the last three

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. A painful ulcerated mucosal area inside the cheek that has been present for only 1 day is concerning but less alarming in the short term compared to chronic lesions. Acute ulcers can be caused by minor trauma, infections, or canker sores. While it is important to monitor and evaluate these lesions, especially if they persist or worsen, a duration of only 1 day typically suggests it might be related to a transient condition.
B. Stippled gingival margins that adhere firmly to the teeth can indicate gingival hyperplasia or certain systemic conditions like vitamin deficiencies. While this finding can be concerning and warrants further investigation into oral health or potential systemic issues, it is generally less urgent compared to other findings that may indicate malignancy or severe chronic conditions.

C. Small yellowish-white lesions on the buccal mucosa could be oral leukoplakia or aphthous ulcers, which can be benign or related to underlying conditions. While these lesions need to be assessed to determine their cause, they are usually less immediately concerning than persistent ulcers that could indicate more serious issues.
D. An ulceration under the tongue that has been present for three weeks is the most concerning finding. Chronic oral ulcers, especially those persisting for more than two weeks, can be indicative of serious conditions such as oral cancer or other malignancies. Persistent lesions warrant thorough investigation to rule out or address potential malignancy or other significant pathologies.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

In reading a client's record, the nurse notes that the client is experiencing tinnitus. Which assessment provides the nurse with the information needed to evaluate the effects of this condition?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Which finding should raise the greatest concern for a nurse who is performing an ear nose and throat (ENT) examination?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

When assessing an adult client, the nurse notes that the client has unequal lung expansion. Which conclusion regarding this finding is most likely to be accurate?

During a routine health screening of an adult female, the nurse notes several changes that have occurred over the past year. Which change indicates the need for a bone density screening?

The nurse is examining the abdomen of an older male client who expresses suprapubic tenderness on palpation. The client reports that it sometimes feels like there is still pressure in that area after urination. Which additional finding should the nurse expect with continued interview of the client?

Patient Data Exhibits

An older adult client with a history of heart failure (HF) is brought to the clinic by a family member. Which finding(s) confirm to the nurse that the client is experiencing an exacerbation of the HP? Select all that apply.

In assessing a client's nailbeds, the nurse notes that the angle between the nail and the nailbed is 200 degrees. Which action should the nurse take?

The nurse assesses a client with a sleep pattern disturbance. In developing a plan of care, what assessment data should the nurse obtain first?

When entering a male client's room, the nurse observes that he is splinting his chest with a pillow. Which follow-up assessment should the nurse complete?