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 B
Explanation
Answer: B. Wandering behavior with flat affect.
Rationale:
A. Ambulatory and disoriented to place:
This documentation suggests that the client is physically able to walk but does not adequately capture the behavioral aspect of the observation. While the client may be ambulatory, merely stating disorientation does not convey the lack of engagement or emotional response, which is crucial in understanding the client's mental state and overall condition.
B. Wandering behavior with flat affect:
This option accurately reflects the observed behavior of the client. "Wandering behavior" captures the aimless walking, while "flat affect" describes the lack of emotional expression indicated by the blank stare. This documentation provides a clearer picture of the client's mental status, which is vital for further assessment and intervention.
C. Appears confused and depressed:
While confusion may be a relevant aspect of the client's condition, this statement lacks specificity regarding the observed behaviors. Depression cannot be accurately concluded from the blank expression alone, as it may not reflect sadness or mood but rather a cognitive or perceptual issue. More objective descriptors would enhance the clarity of the documentation.
D. Demonstrates signs of early dementia:
This option makes a definitive statement about the possibility of early dementia without sufficient evidence from the observation. While aimless walking and a blank expression can be associated with cognitive decline, diagnosing dementia requires comprehensive assessment and evaluation beyond a single observation. This phrasing could mislead healthcare providers regarding the client’s condition and may lead to premature conclusions about the client’s cognitive health.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Sharp, severe pain:
Percussion of the costovertebral angle (CVA) elicits sharp, severe pain in a client with pyelonephritis. This response indicates inflammation of the kidney and surrounding tissues, which is typical in pyelonephritis.
B) Audible thud without pain:
An audible thud without pain is a normal finding when percussing the CVA and would not be expected in a client with pyelonephritis.
C) Rigidity and firmness:
Rigidity and firmness may be related to muscle guarding or abdominal assessment findings, but they are not specific to CVA percussion and pyelonephritis.
D) Rebound tenderness:
Rebound tenderness is a sign of peritoneal irritation and is assessed by pressing on the abdomen and quickly releasing. It is not the typical finding associated with CVA percussion in pyelonephritis.
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