A nurse is caring for a client who has musculoskeletal injuries to the left lower extremity. Which of the following assessments should the nurse perform to evaluate the neurovascular status of the client's extremity?
Check skin temperature distal to the injury with the dorsum of the hand.
Press the heel of the foot to determine capillary refill.
Monitor sensation by palpating the pad of the great toe with a blunt needle.
Compare the color of the skin proximal to the injury with the other extremity.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Check skin temperature distal to the injury with the dorsum of the hand.: Assessing skin temperature distal to the injury is an important part of evaluating neurovascular status. It helps to identify any changes in circulation or potential complications like ischemia. The dorsum of the hand is commonly used as it provides a good comparison to the temperature of the affected extremity.
B. Press the heel of the foot to determine capillary refill.: While capillary refill is an important assessment, it is usually measured by pressing the nail beds or pads of the fingers and toes, not by pressing the heel. This method does not provide a reliable indication of neurovascular status.
C. Monitor sensation by palpating the pad of the great toe with a blunt needle.: While assessing sensation is important, it is typically done using a light touch or pinprick, rather than palpating with a blunt needle. The use of a needle is not standard practice for this type of assessment.
D. Compare the color of the skin proximal to the injury with the other extremity.: Comparing the skin color distal to the injury with the unaffected extremity is more relevant for evaluating neurovascular status. Proximal comparison is less effective in assessing circulation and potential issues related to the injury.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Drowsiness: While drowsiness can be a sign of elevated magnesium levels, it is less critical compared to more immediate symptoms like bradycardia. Monitoring and managing drowsiness is important, but bradycardia poses a more immediate risk of severe cardiovascular issues.
B) Diminished patellar reflexes: Diminished reflexes can indicate elevated magnesium levels, but this finding is less urgent compared to symptoms directly affecting heart function. It still needs to be reported but is not the highest priority.
C) Generalized muscle weakness: Muscle weakness is another common sign of high magnesium levels, reflecting the effect of magnesium on neuromuscular function. However, it is less critical compared to bradycardia, which can be life-threatening.
D) Bradycardia: Elevated magnesium levels can significantly impact cardiac function, leading to bradycardia. Bradycardia can be life-threatening, as it may result in decreased cardiac output and potential for severe complications. Therefore, this finding requires immediate attention and should be reported to the provider first.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "After chewing an antacid, wait 1 hour before drinking water.": This is incorrect advice as drinking water after taking an antacid can help wash the medication down and ensure it reaches the stomach effectively. Waiting an hour to drink water is unnecessary and does not benefit GERD management.
B) "Plan to have a bedtime snack each evening.": Having a bedtime snack can exacerbate GERD symptoms by increasing stomach acid production just before lying down. Clients with GERD should avoid eating close to bedtime to minimize symptoms.
C) "Elevate the head of your bed 12 inches.": Elevating the head of the bed helps prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus during sleep, which can reduce nighttime GERD symptoms. This is a recommended non-pharmacological intervention for managing GERD.
D) "Eat a sugar-free peppermint when symptoms occur.": Peppermint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, potentially worsening GERD symptoms by allowing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus. Therefore, peppermint is not recommended for managing GERD symptoms.
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