An older adult client in a long-term care facility had a stroke 4 weeks ago and has been unable to move independently since that time. The nurse caring for her should observe for which of the following findings that indicates a complication of immobility?
Stiffness in the lower extremities
A reddened area over the sacrum
Difficulty hearing some types of sounds
Difficulty moving the upper extremities
The Correct Answer is B
A. Stiffness in the lower extremities can occur due to lack of movement and muscle disuse. Prolonged immobility leads to muscle atrophy and contractures, causing stiffness and reduced range of motion. This is a common complication seen in clients who are bedridden or have limited mobility.
B. A reddened area over the sacrum indicates a potential pressure injury or pressure ulcer. Immobility increases the risk of pressure ulcers due to prolonged pressure on bony prominences, such as the sacrum. Regular repositioning and pressure relief strategies are essential to prevent skin breakdown in immobile clients.
C. Difficulty hearing certain types of sounds is not typically associated with immobility. It may be related to age-related changes in hearing or other auditory issues but is not a direct complication of immobility.
D. Difficulty moving the upper extremities can occur due to muscle weakness or disuse atrophy, which can result from immobility. However, it is less common compared to stiffness and difficulty in the lower extremities because upper extremities are often more frequently moved or exercised even in bedridden clients.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This action helps the client to clear pulmonary secretions and improve ventilation. Coughing and deep breathing exercises are essential for maintaining airway patency and preventing complications such as atelectasis and respiratory distress.
B. Monitoring the client's temperature is important to assess for fever, which can indicate infection severity or response to treatment. However, in a client actively coughing up secretions, immediate interventions to promote airway clearance take precedence over obtaining temperature.
C. Adequate hydration can help liquefy pulmonary secretions, making them easier to expectorate. However, this action is secondary to promoting effective coughing and deep breathing to clear secretions already present in the airways.
D. Chest percussion can help loosen and mobilize secretions in the lungs. However, this intervention requires assessment of the client's respiratory status and may not be appropriate as the first action without first assessing the client's tolerance and condition.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The toe could also be affected by the edema leading to inaccurate reading.
B. Placing the pulse oximeter probe on a skin fold is not recommended. Skin folds can obscure proper positioning of the probe and interfere with accurate readings. Additionally, skin folds may not adequately represent blood flow and oxygenation levels compared to other sites.
C. This location is recommended because it is usually free of the issues that can affect the extremities, such as poor circulation or changes in peripheral perfusion, and can provide a more reliable saturation reading.
D. The finger is the most common site for applying a pulse oximeter probe due to its accessibility and reliability. However, in cases where the fingers are not suitable, such as when there is significant edema or thickened toenails, alternative sites like the toe may be preferred.
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