A nurse is performing an assessment on the fingers and toes of a patient.
What finding is consistent with clubbing?
Decreased angle between the cuticles and the nails.
Upward curving of the nails.
Blue nails.
Angle of nails > 160 degrees.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
A decreased angle between the cuticles and the nails is not indicative of clubbing. In fact, it is often associated with healthy nails. Clubbing is recognized by changes that increase the angle between the nail bed and the cuticle.
Choice B rationale
An upward curving of the nails, known as koilonychia or spoon nails, is not characteristic of clubbing but is often associated with iron-deficiency anemia. Hence, this answer is incorrect for clubbing.
Choice C rationale
Blue nails indicate cyanosis, which is related to a lack of oxygen in the blood. This is distinct from clubbing, which is more about the shape and angle of the nails rather than their color.
Choice D rationale
Clubbing is recognized by an increase in the angle between the nail bed and the cuticle, often greater than 160 degrees. This is a hallmark feature and the correct indicator of clubbing.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. While it affects the skin, it is unrelated to emphysema and bronchitis, making it an unlikely finding in this client.
Choice B rationale
Pedal erythema, or redness of the feet, can result from various causes, including infections, allergies, and circulatory issues. However, it is not commonly associated with emphysema and bronchitis, making it an unlikely finding in this client.
Choice C rationale
Anasarca is generalized body swelling due to fluid retention, often seen in severe heart failure, liver disease, and kidney failure. While this condition involves significant swelling, it is not typically linked to emphysema and bronchitis.
Choice D rationale
Clubbing of the nails is a common finding in chronic respiratory conditions like emphysema and bronchitis. It involves bulbous enlargement of the fingertips and nail curvature, resulting from prolonged low oxygen levels, making it a likely finding in this client.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Pallor refers to the pale appearance of the skin due to decreased blood flow or decreased hemoglobin levels. It is often seen in conditions such as anemia, where there is a reduced number of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to a lack of the red-pink tones normally present in healthy skin.
Choice B rationale
Cyanosis refers to a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to inadequate oxygenation of the blood. It is often seen in respiratory or cardiovascular conditions where there is a decrease in oxygen levels. Cyanosis does not describe the absence of red-pink tones from decreased hemoglobin.
Choice C rationale
Jaundice refers to a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes due to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. It is often seen in liver conditions or hemolysis. Jaundice is not related to decreased hemoglobin levels or the absence of red-pink tones in the skin.
Choice D rationale
Erythema refers to redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow to the capillaries in the dermis. It is often associated with inflammation, infection, or skin irritation. Erythema indicates increased blood flow, not decreased hemoglobin levels.
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