How would a nurse best describe the assessment of stasis dermatitis in a patient with peripheral vascular disease (PVD)?
Ulceration on the medial surface of the lower legs.
Brownish skin discoloration on the lower legs.
Edema in the lower legs.
Purple rash on the medial surface of the lower legs.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Ulceration on the medial surface of the lower legs is not the best description of stasis dermatitis in a patient with peripheral vascular disease (PVD). While ulcers can occur in severe cases, they are not the primary characteristic of stasis dermatitis.
Choice B rationale
Stasis dermatitis, also known as venous stasis dermatitis, is a skin inflammation that occurs in people with poor circulation. It most often happens in the lower legs because that’s where blood typically collects. When blood pools in the veins of the lower leg, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including a brownish skin discoloration on the lower legs. This discoloration is caused by the leakage of red blood cells into the skin due to increased pressure in the veins.
Choice C rationale
While edema in the lower legs can be a symptom of PVD and may accompany stasis dermatitis, it is not the best description of the condition. Edema is a general symptom that can occur in many conditions and is not specific to stasis dermatitis.
Choice D rationale
A purple rash on the medial surface of the lower legs is not a typical symptom of stasis dermatitis. While the skin may become discolored, it is usually a brownish color rather than purple.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While fasting may be required before certain procedures, it is not the most crucial piece of information that the nurse needs to relay to the healthcare provider prior to a cardiac catheterization and coronary angiogram.
Choice B rationale
A shellfish allergy is crucial information because the dye used in an angiogram can cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to shellfish.
Choice C rationale
Although a previous heart attack is significant medical history, it is not the most crucial piece of information to relay prior to this procedure.
Choice D rationale
The rating of the patient’s pedal pulses is not the most crucial piece of information to relay prior to this procedure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Aortic regurgitation is a condition where the aortic valve doesn’t close tightly, causing blood to leak back into the left ventricle. This condition can lead to left heart failure but is not typically associated with right heart failure.
Choice B rationale
Mitral regurgitation is a disorder in which the mitral valve on the left side of the heart does not close properly. This condition can lead to left heart failure but is not typically associated with right heart failure.
Choice C rationale
Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve opening. This condition can lead to left heart failure but is not typically associated with right heart failure.
Choice D rationale
Tricuspid regurgitation is a disorder in which the heart’s tricuspid valve does not close properly, causing blood to flow backward into the right atrium. This condition can lead to right heart failure, especially when associated with pulmonary hypertension.
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