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.

Answer and Explanation

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

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

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

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Elevating the leg above the level of the heart would not be beneficial in this case. This action would actually reduce blood flow to the leg, which is already compromised due to the arterial occlusion.
Choice B rationale
Exercising the leg would increase the oxygen demand of the tissues in the leg, which could exacerbate the problem. The tissues in the leg are already deprived of oxygen due to the arterial occlusion.
Choice C rationale
Applying a compression stocking to the leg would not be beneficial in this case. This action would further compromise blood flow to the leg, which is already reduced due to the arterial occlusion.
Choice D rationale
Keeping the patient in bed in the supine position is the correct action. This position will decrease the oxygen demand of the tissues in the leg and minimize ischemic damage until circulation can be restored.

A. Anxiety B. Acute pain C. Decreased cardiac output D. Stress management

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Anxiety is a common response to the stress of hospitalization and illness, especially in the context of a serious condition like ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
However, while anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms and should be addressed, it is not the primary problem in this scenario.
Choice B rationale
Acute pain is a common symptom of STEMI, as the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen. However, the patient’s blood pressure and heart rate readings suggest a more immediate concern related to the cardiovascular system.
Choice C rationale
Decreased cardiac output is likely the priority problem for this patient. The patient’s low blood pressure (86/40 mm Hg) and high heart rate (132 beats/min) suggest that the heart is not pumping enough blood to meet the body’s needs, which is a direct consequence of the STEMI1. This can lead to organ failure and other serious complications if not addressed promptly.
Choice D rationale
Stress management is an important aspect of long-term care for patients with heart disease, as chronic stress can contribute to further heart damage. However, in the acute phase of a STEMI, the focus is on stabilizing the patient’s condition and preventing complications.

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

How would a nurse best describe the assessment of stasis dermatitis in a patient with peripheral vascular disease (PVD)?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An older patient with chronic atrial fibrillation develops sudden severe pain, pulselessness, pallor, and coolness in the right leg, consistent with acute arterial occlusion. After the nurse notifies the healthcare provider, what should the nurse do next?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A patient has been admitted to the coronary care unit (CCU) with an ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The patient is restless, anxious, has a blood pressure of 86/40 mm Hg, and a heart rate of 132 beats/min. What is the priority problem for this patient?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Most cases of combined systolic and diastolic hypertension have no known cause and are documented on the chart as what type of hypertension?

How would a nurse best describe the assessment of stasis dermatitis in a patient with peripheral vascular disease (PVD)?

While conducting an admission assessment, the nurse observes clubbing of the patient’s fingers. Based on this finding, the nurse should he patient about which disease process?

Which of the following conditions are potential causes of secondary hypertension? (Select all that apply)

When teaching clients in a community-based setting strategies for preventing cardiovascular disease, which interventions should the nurse include?

A 35-year-old patient presents with pulmonary hypertension and is diagnosed with right heart failure. What is the most likely cause of this condition?

The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results for a patient who has recently been diagnosed with hypertension. Which result is most important to communicate to the health care provider?