An older client is hospitalized following an embolic stroke resulting in right-sided paresis. Three days after admission, the nurse notes edema and erythema to the right lower leg. These findings should alert the nurse to which possible condition?

Infection.

Deep vein thrombosis.

Pulmonary embolism.

Fat emboli.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   Infection in the lower leg could cause localized redness, swelling, warmth, and possibly pain. However, the presence of these symptoms alone is not as specific to infection, especially without additional symptoms like fever or purulent discharge.
B.   Deep vein thrombosis is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, commonly in the legs. The symptoms of DVT include swelling (edema), redness (erythema), warmth, and sometimes pain in the affected leg. Given that the client has paresis on one side and is likely less mobile, the risk of DVT increases.
C.   A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot (often from the legs) travels to the lungs and causes a blockage. While a pulmonary embolism is a serious complication of DVT, the findings of localized edema and erythema in the leg are more directly associated with DVT itself rather than the secondary complication of a pulmonary embolism.
D.   Fat emboli typically occur after fractures or trauma and lead to fat droplets entering the bloodstream and causing blockages in the lungs, brain, or skin. The classic symptoms include respiratory distress, neurological symptoms, and petechial rash.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. A serum hemoglobin level of 16 g/dL (160 g/L) is within the normal reference range for adults (14 to 18 g/dL). Hemoglobin levels that are within the normal range generally do not indicate a direct risk for falls. Low hemoglobin (anemia) could potentially increase fall risk due to fatigue or dizziness, but a normal level is not a risk factor for falls.
B. Opioid analgesics are known to have side effects such as sedation, dizziness, and impaired motor coordination, which can increase the risk of falls. The recent administration of opioids makes this a significant factor in assessing fall risk, as the client may still be experiencing side effects from the medication that could impair their balance or cognitive function.
C. Depression can contribute to fall risk in several ways, including reduced motivation to engage in activities, decreased physical strength, and impaired attention. However, while important to address, depression alone is not as immediate or direct a risk factor for falls compared to factors like recent medication side effects or actual physical impairments.
D. Stooped posture may be indicative of issues such as musculoskeletal problems or balance difficulties. However, if the client has a steady gait, it suggests that despite the stooped posture, their current ability to walk is stable. The stooped posture alone might increase fall risk over time, but it is not as directly related to the immediate risk of falls as recent medication effects.

A. Document the event in the electronical health record. B. Complete an incident report. C. Inform the nurse on the next shift. D. Notify the healthcare provider.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Document in the EHR: While documenting the event in the electronic health record is important, it's not sufficient to address the medication error. An incident report provides a more comprehensive and structured approach to documenting and investigating the event.
B. When a medication error occurs, it's crucial to document the event through an incident report. This helps to identify the root cause of the error, prevent similar occurrences in the future, and ensure patient safety. An incident report should include a detailed description of the event, the actions taken, and any potential contributing factors.
C. While informing the next shift is important for continuity of care, it's not the most immediate action needed to address the medication error. Completing an incident report is a higher priority.
D. Notifying the healthcare provider is important, but it should be done in conjunction with completing an incident report. The incident report provides a detailed record of the event, which can be shared with the healthcare provider for further review and investigation.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

An older client is hospitalized following an embolic stroke resulting in right-sided paresis. Three days after admission, the nurse notes edema and erythema to the right lower leg. These findings should alert the nurse to which possible condition?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which assessment data reflects the need for the nurse to include the problem, "Risk for falls" in a client's plan of care? Reference Range: Hemoglobin [14 to 18 g/dL (140 to 180 g/L)]

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

After an IV antibiotic is started, the nurse determines that the medication is not prescribed for the client and stops the infusion. Which action should the nurse implement next?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse has agreed to serve as a client's advocate at the meeting of the hospital ethics committee, which was called to address an ethical dilemma involving the client. To successfully represent the client, what action is essential for the nurse to take?

While inserting an indwelling urinary catheter into a female client, the nurse observes urine flow in the tubing. Which action should be taken next?

The client is receiving a liter of 0.9% sodium chloride with potassium chloride (KCI) 30 mEq IV to infuse over 4 hours. Which nursing action has the highest priority for this client?

An older client is being admitted to a rehabilitation unit from a medical-surgical unit following a left hip replacement. When reviewing the client's prescribed medications, which intervention should the nurse implement first?

An older adult client grimaces and demonstrates guarding behavior, but denies experiencing pain when asked by the nurse to rate the pain on a numeric scale. Which action should the nurse take next?

An older female resident of a long-term care facility is experiencing frequent episodes of urinary incontinence. Which intervention is best for the nurse to implement with this client?