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 D
Explanation
A. The BCG vaccine is a vaccine used to prevent tuberculosis (TB) disease. However, its effectiveness varies widely and is primarily used in countries with a high prevalence of TB. Therefore, administering the BCG vaccine is not typically part of the evaluation process for TB exposure in a client.
B. A chest x-ray is commonly used to evaluate for active pulmonary TB disease. It can identify characteristic findings such as infiltrates, cavitations, or nodular lesions in the lungs that suggest TB infection. A chest x- ray is often performed as part of the initial evaluation for TB after exposure or to assess for active disease.
C. Sputum culture for AFB is a definitive diagnostic test for tuberculosis. It involves collecting sputum samples and culturing them in a laboratory to detect the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes TB.
D. The tuberculin skin test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test, involves injecting a small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) into the skin of the forearm. After 48-72 hours, a healthcare provider assesses the size of the induration (swelling) at the injection site. A positive TST indicates exposure to TB but does not differentiate between latent TB infection (LTBI) and active TB disease.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. This description is more indicative of a stage 1 pressure ulcer, where the skin is intact but shows non- blanchable redness. Stage 1 ulcers do not involve skin loss.
B. This description might indicate a stage 2 pressure ulcer, where there is partial-thickness skin loss involving the epidermis and/or dermis. Stage 2 ulcers are characterized by shallow open ulcers with a red- pink wound bed, without slough.
C. This description accurately defines a stage 3 pressure ulcer. Stage 3 ulcers involve full-thickness skin loss where adipose (fat) tissue may be visible, but deeper structures such as muscle, tendon, and bone are not exposed.
D. Slough refers to yellow, tan, gray, green, or brown necrotic tissue in the wound bed that must be removed to facilitate wound healing. Slough can be present in both stage 3 and stage 4 pressure ulcers, where stage 4 involves full-thickness skin loss with exposure of muscle, bone, or supporting structures.
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