In assessing a client's nailbeds, the nurse notes that the angle between the nail and the nailbed is 200 degrees. Which action should the nurse take?
Determine the client's most recent hemoglobin level.
Document the presence of nailbed clubbing.
Administer a PRN prescription for oxygen.
Consult with a podiatrist to trim the client's toenails.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Determine the client's most recent hemoglobin level: While low hemoglobin can be associated with conditions that cause clubbing, it's not the initial step. Documenting the finding is more important first.
B. Document the presence of nail bed clubbing: An angle of 200 degrees between the nail and nail bed is a classic sign of clubbing, which can be associated with various underlying conditions.
C. Administer a PRN prescription for oxygen: This is not indicated unless the client has respiratory problems, and clubbing itself doesn't necessitate oxygen.
D. Consult with a podiatrist: Consulting a podiatrist might be necessary for nail care in some situations, but it's not the most urgent action for nail bed clubbing. Documenting the finding and investigating the underlying cause is the priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Trapped subcutaneous air causing crepitus will be absorbed, so the finding is not significant. While trapped air can be absorbed, crepitus can indicate underlying issues such as a pneumothorax or other trauma, so it should not be dismissed as insignificant.
B. Since this client has only a small area of crepitus, it probably is not a significant finding. The size of the area does not necessarily correlate with the severity of the underlying condition. Even a small area of crepitus should be investigated.
C. Crepitus is always abnormal and should be followed-up with a more detailed assessment. This is the most accurate interpretation. Crepitus indicates the presence of air in the subcutaneous tissues, which is always abnormal and warrants further investigation.
D. Since a fractured rib often creates crepitus, a chest x-ray should be scheduled immediately. While a chest x-ray can be part of the assessment, stating that a fractured rib "often" creates crepitus might be misleading. Crepitus can arise from other conditions, and a thorough assessment is needed before determining the exact cause.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Listen for abnormal sounds. Before identifying abnormal sounds, it's essential to first establish a baseline by identifying the normal heart sounds (S1 and S2).
B. Identify S1 and S2 heart sounds. This is the correct first step in a systematic assessment of heart sounds. S1 ("lub") corresponds to the closure of the atrioventricular valves (mitral and tricuspid), while S2 ("dub") corresponds to the closure of the semilunar valves (aortic and pulmonic).
C. Move the stethoscope to the apical site. While the apical site is important for auscultating specific heart sounds, it's best to first identify S1 and S2 at the traditional auscultatory areas (aortic, pulmonic, tricuspid, and mitral).
D. Change to the bell of the stethoscope. The bell of the stethoscope is used to listen for lower-pitched sounds, but it's not typically used for identifying S1 and S2 heart sounds, which are higher-pitched.
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