A nurse in a medical clinic is caring for a client.
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Nurses' Notes
2 weeks ago, 0940:
Client presents to clinic with reports of feeling unwell for the past few weeks. Client states, "I have a sore that won't get better on my right foot." Client removed gauze bandage to reveal open wound 3 cm x 4 cm on right foot; draining small amount of purulent drainage. Client awake and alert; chest clear to auscultation; heart tones audible with no abnormal heart tones heard. Client reports frequent urination, increased thirst, and recent 4.5 kg (10 lb) weight loss without trying. Client denies pain but reports experiencing nausea. BMI is 27.
Vital Signs
2 weeks ago, 0945:
Temperature 38.3° C (100.9°F)
Heart rate 104/min
Respiratory rate 18/min
Blood pressure 98/74 mm Hg
Oxygen saturation 97% on room air
Laboratory Results
2 weeks ago 1020:
WBC count 9,500/mm3 (5,000 to 10,000/mm3)
Blood glucose 250 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL)
Triiodothyronine (T3) 200 mg/dL (70 to 205 mg/dL)
I have a sore that won't get better on my right foot."
Client removed gauze bandage to reveal open wound 3 cm x 4 cm on right foot
draining small amount of purulent drainage
frequent urination
increased thirst
recent 4.5 kg (10 lb) weight loss without trying
Temperature 38.3° C (100.9°F)
Heart rate 104/min
Blood pressure 98/74 mm Hg
Blood glucose 250 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL)
The Correct Answer is ["C","D","E","F","G","H","I","J"]
- Open wound on right foot with purulent drainage: A non-healing wound with purulent drainage suggests infection, which is a major concern in clients with hyperglycemia. Poor wound healing is common in diabetes due to impaired circulation and immune function.
- Frequent urination, increased thirst, and unexplained 4.5 kg (10 lb) weight loss: Classic symptoms of hyperglycemia and possible diabetes mellitus. Polyuria and polydipsia result from osmotic diuresis due to high blood glucose levels, while unexplained weight loss may indicate the body breaking down fat and muscle for energy.
- Temperature 38.3° C (100.9° F): Fever indicates a possible systemic infection. In diabetic clients, infections can progress rapidly and lead to complications such as cellulitis, osteomyelitis, or sepsis.
- Heart rate 104/min: Tachycardia may be a response to fever, dehydration, or underlying infection. Persistent tachycardia could indicate worsening sepsis or hemodynamic instability.
- Blood pressure 98/74 mm Hg: While not critically low, this blood pressure is on the lower end and could indicate early signs of dehydration from polyuria or systemic infection.
- Blood glucose 250 mg/dL: Significantly elevated blood glucose suggests poor glycemic control, increasing the risk of infection, delayed wound healing, and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) if it continues to rise.:
- Respiratory rate 18/min: A normal respiratory rate does not indicate respiratory distress or metabolic compensation.
- Oxygen saturation 97% on room air: Oxygenation is within the normal range, suggesting no immediate hypoxia.
- WBC count 9,500/mm³: Within the normal range, although an infection may still be present given the fever and purulent wound drainage.
- Triiodothyronine (T3) 200 mg/dL: Within normal limits, ruling out thyroid dysfunction as a cause of symptoms.
- BMI 27: Slightly overweight but not directly contributing to the acute condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Genital herpes: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common sexually transmitted infection, but it is not a nationally notifiable disease. Reporting is not mandatory in most jurisdictions, although counseling and partner notification are recommended.
B. Varicella zoster: Chickenpox (primary varicella infection) is reportable in some states, but herpes zoster (shingles) is generally not required to be reported. However, outbreaks in certain settings, such as schools or healthcare facilities, may need notification.
C. Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis is a highly contagious airborne disease that requires mandatory reporting to public health authorities. Reporting ensures contact tracing, outbreak control, and public health interventions to prevent further transmission.
D. Clostridium difficile: While Clostridium difficile infections are of significant concern in healthcare settings, they are not universally reportable to the local health department. Infection control measures are implemented within facilities, but routine reporting is not always required.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Flushed cheeks: Tuberculosis typically presents with systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, and weight loss rather than flushed cheeks. Flushing is more commonly associated with fever spikes in other infections or conditions like menopause.
B. Severe headaches: Tuberculosis can cause headaches if it leads to tuberculous meningitis, but this is not a common initial symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis. Headaches are not a hallmark feature of active TB infection.
C. Low-grade fever: A persistent low-grade fever, particularly in the afternoon or evening, is a common symptom of tuberculosis. It is often accompanied by night sweats and weight loss due to the chronic inflammatory response.
D. Dry cough: The cough associated with tuberculosis is usually productive with purulent or blood-tinged sputum rather than dry. The infection causes lung tissue destruction, leading to a persistent cough with mucus production.
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