A nurse is obtaining a skin assessment history from a client. Which of the following findings represents subjective data?
A 2 cm erythematous lesion is noted
Skin is warm and dry to touch
Capillary refill is 2 seconds
Client reports itching on both arms
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. A 2 cm erythematous lesion is objective data because it can be observed, measured, and verified by the nurse. Objective data are factual and measurable rather than based on the patient’s personal experience.
B. Skin that is warm and dry to touch is also objective data. The nurse can palpate and assess these characteristics directly, making them measurable and independent of the patient’s perception.
C. Capillary refill of 2 seconds is an objective finding, as it is measurable and can be verified through observation. This data provides information about peripheral perfusion rather than the patient’s personal experience.
D. The client reporting itching on both arms is subjective data, because it reflects the patient’s personal perception and experience. Subjective data cannot be directly measured or observed, but it is essential for understanding symptoms, guiding care, and identifying potential skin conditions such as dryness, allergy, or dermatitis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Asking the patient to follow your finger through the six cardinal fields of gaze assesses extraocular muscle function and eye movement, not the "A" in PERRLA. This test evaluates cranial nerves III, IV, and VI, but it does not measure accommodation.
B. Moving your finger slowly toward the patient's nose and observing the pupils constrict and the eyes converge tests Accommodation, which is what the "A" in PERRLA represents. Accommodation involves the pupils adjusting for near vision (constricting) and convergence of the eyes, ensuring that the eyes can focus properly on close objects. This is the correct method for testing "A."
C. Shining a penlight into each eye and observing constriction of both pupils tests Pupillary Light Reflex, which corresponds to the "P" and "R" (Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light) in PERRLA. This does not assess accommodation.
D. Asking the patient to focus on a distant object and then read a near vision card evaluates near and distance vision acuity, but it does not specifically test the pupillary constriction and convergence associated with accommodation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Palpating both carotid arteries at the same time is unsafe because it can significantly reduce blood flow to the brain, potentially causing dizziness, syncope (fainting), or even cerebral ischemia. The nurse should never occlude both carotid arteries simultaneously.
B. The thumb should not be used for palpation because it has its own strong pulse, which can be mistaken for the client’s pulse and lead to inaccurate assessment. The fingertips (index and middle fingers) are preferred because they are more sensitive and do not have a strong intrinsic pulse.
C. The correct technique is to gently palpate one carotid artery at a time using the fingertips. Gentle pressure allows the nurse to assess rate, rhythm, and strength of the pulse without compromising blood flow or stimulating the carotid sinus excessively. This is the safest and most accurate method.
D. Applying very firm pressure is dangerous, as it can stimulate the carotid sinus, leading to a vagal response (bradycardia, hypotension, or syncope). Excessive pressure can also temporarily obstruct blood flow to the brain. Therefore, only light to moderate pressure should be used.
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