A nurse is caring for a middle adult client who has just received the diagnosis of endometrial cancer. In taking a nursing history, which of the following manifestations is likely to be reported by this client?

Choice A reason:
Venous insufficiency can contribute to the development of chronic wounds, particularly in the lower extremities. It is characterized by the inability of the veins to adequately return blood from the legs back to the heart, which can lead to pooling of blood and increased pressure in the veins. This can cause skin changes and ulcers, particularly around the ankles.

Choice B reason:
Malnutrition is indeed a systemic cause of chronic wounds. Adequate nutrition is essential for wound healing, as it provides the necessary proteins, vitamins, and minerals that play a crucial role in the repair process. Protein-energy malnutrition, deficiencies in vitamins C and D, zinc, and other nutrients can impair wound healing and lead to chronic wounds.

Choice C reason:
Infection is typically a local rather than a systemic cause of chronic wounds. While systemic infections can affect wound healing, local wound infections are more directly responsible for delayed healing and the chronicity of wounds. Bacteria can colonize the wound and impede the healing process, leading to a chronic wound.

Choice D reason:
Continued pressure, much like infection, is generally a local cause of chronic wounds. It is most commonly associated with the development of pressure ulcers in individuals who are bedridden or have limited mobility. The constant pressure on certain areas of the body can lead to tissue ischemia and necrosis, resulting in a chronic wound.

Choice A reason:
A temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) is slightly elevated but not necessarily indicative of sepsis. A heart rate of 88/min is within normal limits (60-100/min). This client's signs do not strongly suggest sepsis.

Choice B reason:
A heart rate of 132/min and a respiratory rate of 30/min are both elevated, which can be signs of sepsis. Sepsis can cause an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) and respiratory rate (tachypnea) as the body attempts to maintain adequate blood flow and oxygenation during a systemic infection.

Choice C reason:
A decrease in the level of consciousness combined with a heart rate greater than 130/min could indicate sepsis, as confusion or changes in mental status are common symptoms when the body is fighting a severe infection.

Choice D reason:
Bradypnea, or abnormally slow breathing, is not typically associated with sepsis, which more commonly causes rapid breathing. A WBC count of 10,000/mm³ is at the upper limit of the normal range and does not necessarily indicate sepsis without other symptoms.

Choice E reason:
A temperature of 36°C (96.8°F) is on the lower end of the normal body temperature range and does not suggest fever, which is a common sign of sepsis. A respiratory rate of 16/min is within the normal range (12-20/min) and does not indicate sepsis.