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.

Choice A Reason:
An adult male presents with fears that he has "lung cancer." Is appropriate. This choice accurately captures the client's expressed fear of having lung cancer. However, it lacks specificity regarding the duration of symptoms (six weeks) and the nature of the symptom (dry cough). Therefore, while it acknowledges the client's concern, it does not provide comprehensive documentation of the client's reported symptoms.
Choice B Reason:
This option accurately captures the client's primary concern, which is the persistent dry cough lasting for six weeks. It avoids assuming a diagnosis (such as lung cancer) and instead focuses on the client's reported symptom. This type of documentation allows for an objective record of the client's statement while avoiding speculation about specific diagnoses. It also provides important information that can guide further assessment and diagnostic evaluation by healthcare providers.
Choice C Reason:
This option documents the client's expressed concern about having symptoms consistent with lung cancer for the past six weeks. While it accurately reflects the client's fear, it may lead to premature assumptions about the diagnosis before a thorough assessment and diagnostic workup are conducted. It's important for documentation to focus on the client's reported symptoms rather than presumptive diagnoses to maintain objectivity and guide appropriate evaluation and management..
Choice D Reason:
Presents with a hacking non-productive cough of 6 weeks duration. This choice accurately describes the client's reported symptom of a "hacking non-productive cough" and includes the duration of the symptom (six weeks). However, it does not explicitly mention the client's expressed fear of having lung cancer, which is an important aspect of the client's presentation that should be documented. Additionally, the term "hacking" may not fully capture the severity or character of the client's reported cough, as the client described it as "body-wracking." Therefore, while it provides some relevant information, it does not fully capture the client's concerns and presentation.

Choice A Reason:
Palpating the client's dorsalis pedis pulses is appropriate because shiny lower legs with no hair growth are characteristic findings of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which commonly occurs in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Palpating the client's dorsalis pedis pulses allows the nurse to assess peripheral arterial perfusion. Weak or absent dorsalis pedis pulses may indicate decreased blood flow to the feet and lower extremities, supporting the diagnosis of PAD.
Choice B Reason:
Asking if the client often feels weak or hungry is less relevant to the assessment findings of shiny lower legs with no hair growth. While it is important to assess for symptoms of hypoglycemia in clients with diabetes mellitus, such as weakness or hunger, these symptoms do not directly correlate with the observed peripheral vascular changes.
Choice C Reason:
Comparing the range of motion of both legs is less relevant to the assessment findings of shiny lower legs with no hair growth. Range of motion assessment is important for assessing joint function and mobility but does not provide information specifically related to peripheral vascular status.
Choice D Reason:
Measuring the client's capillary glucose is less relevant to the assessment findings of shiny lower legs with no hair growth. While it is important to monitor blood glucose levels in clients with diabetes mellitus, capillary glucose measurement does not provide information specifically related to peripheral vascular status or the observed findings of PAD.