An older male client reports to the nurse that his feet are cold. Before covering the client's feet, which assessment(s) should the nurse complete? Select all that apply.
Palpate dorsal surface of feet for warmth.
Test feet for a positive Babinski reflex.
Measure skin elasticity around the ankles.
Assess volume of the pedal pulses.
Observe color of the feet and toes.
Correct Answer : A,D,E
A) Palpate dorsal surface of feet for warmth:
Assessing the temperature of the dorsal surface of the feet helps determine peripheral circulation and can indicate whether the feet are indeed cold. Cold feet may suggest poor peripheral perfusion or circulation issues, which require further assessment.
B) Test feet for a positive Babinski reflex:
The Babinski reflex is typically tested to assess upper motor neuron dysfunction and is not directly relevant to evaluating the complaint of cold feet.
C) Measure skin elasticity around the ankles:
Measuring skin elasticity around the ankles may be relevant for assessing skin turgor and hydration status but is not specifically related to evaluating the client's complaint of cold feet.
D) Assess volume of the pedal pulses:
Assessing the volume of pedal pulses provides information about peripheral perfusion and circulation. Diminished or absent pedal pulses may indicate peripheral vascular disease or other circulatory issues contributing to cold feet. It's essential to evaluate the strength and symmetry of pedal pulses to determine peripheral vascular status.
E) Observe color of the feet and toes:
While observing the color of the feet and toes is important for assessing circulation and perfusion, it is not specific to evaluating the client's complaint of cold feet. However, color changes, such as pallor or cyanosis, may provide additional information about peripheral circulation and require further assessment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Face is flushed and diaphoretic:
While flushing and diaphoresis can indicate fever, anxiety, or other conditions, they do not typically require immediate intervention unless associated with other severe symptoms.
B) Eyelids are matted and crusted:
Matted and crusted eyelids may indicate an eye infection, such as conjunctivitis, which requires treatment but not immediate emergency intervention.
C) Cornea are jaundiced:
Jaundiced corneas (scleral icterus) suggest elevated bilirubin levels and possible liver dysfunction. This finding requires prompt evaluation but is not typically an emergency requiring immediate intervention.
D) Oral mucosa is cyanotic:
Cyanosis of the oral mucosa indicates a lack of oxygen in the blood and is a sign of hypoxemia or respiratory distress. This is a critical finding that requires immediate intervention to address potential life-threatening respiratory or cardiovascular issues.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Number of blood clots expelled with each stool:
While the number of blood clots expelled with each stool may be relevant in assessing the severity of bleeding, it does not provide as much information about the potential underlying causes of bleeding as documenting the color characteristics of the stool does. Therefore, although it may be noted, it is not the most crucial aspect to document initially.
B. Evidence of internal hemorrhoids:
Documenting evidence of internal hemorrhoids is important in assessing rectal bleeding, but it is not as fundamental as documenting the color characteristics of the stool. Internal hemorrhoids can be one potential cause of rectal bleeding, but other more serious conditions may also cause bleeding, so a comprehensive assessment of the stool is necessary.
C. Unique odor noted with gastrointestinal bleeding:
While gastrointestinal bleeding may have a distinct odor, documenting this alone does not provide as much diagnostic information as describing the color characteristics of the stool. Documenting odor may be important in some cases, but it is not as critical as documenting the color of the stool, which can help identify potential causes of bleeding.
D. Color characteristics of each stool:
When evaluating rectal bleeding, documenting the color characteristics of each stool is crucial. Different colors of stool can indicate various underlying causes of bleeding. Bright red blood typically suggests lower gastrointestinal bleeding, while darker, tarry stools (melena) may indicate bleeding higher in the gastrointestinal tract. Describing the color, consistency, and presence of any abnormal substances in the stool helps healthcare providers assess the severity and potential causes of the bleeding.
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