Patient Data
Based on the client’s history and assessment findings, which of the following are priority nursing concerns for this client? Select all that apply.
Left lower extremity pain and cramping after activity
Cool, shiny, hairless left leg with delayed capillary refill
Numbness and tingling in the left lower extremity
Dependent rubor of the left foot
History of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Intermittent productive cough for 20 years
Edema in the left lower extremity
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D
Rationale:
A. Left lower extremity pain and cramping after activity: Pain and cramping with ambulation, especially worsening and lasting longer than usual, indicate intermittent claudication and potential progression of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This is a priority concern because it reflects impaired perfusion and ischemia.
B. Cool, shiny, hairless left leg with delayed capillary refill: These signs indicate chronic arterial insufficiency and decreased tissue perfusion. The risk of tissue damage, ulceration, or gangrene makes this a high-priority nursing concern.
C. Numbness and tingling in the left lower extremity: Neurologic symptoms such as paresthesia reflect ischemia and nerve compromise. Prompt assessment and monitoring are essential to prevent complications like peripheral neuropathy or tissue injury.
D. Dependent rubor of the left foot: Dependent rubor is a classic sign of PAD indicating poor arterial blood flow and oxygenation. This is an urgent finding that reflects vascular compromise and risk for critical limb ischemia.
E. History of type 2 diabetes mellitus: While diabetes is an important risk factor for PAD, it is a chronic condition rather than an immediate priority for acute nursing concern in this admission.
F. Intermittent productive cough for 20 years: Chronic cough may indicate COPD or chronic bronchitis, but it is not the immediate priority compared to signs of acute limb ischemia.
G. Edema in the left lower extremity: Mild dependent edema is noted but is likely secondary to positioning rather than a primary vascular concern. It is lower priority compared with ischemic signs and symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A retraining program will need to be initiated when the child returns home: Most children experience temporary regression during hospitalization due to stress, illness, or disruption of routines. Formal retraining is rarely necessary once the child returns to a familiar environment. Immediate concerns should focus on emotional support rather than structured retraining.
B. Diapering will be provided since hospitalization is stressful to preschoolers: While diapers may be used temporarily for safety and convenience, routine diapering is not the primary strategy. The focus should be on supporting the child’s developmental skills and reassuring parents about normal regression.
C. Children usually resume their toileting behaviors when they leave the hospital: Regression in toilet habits is a common, temporary response to stress, unfamiliar routines, and illness. Once the child returns home and normal routines are restored, most preschoolers spontaneously regain their previous level of toileting independence. This information reassures parents and normalizes the behavior.
D. A potty chair should be brought from home to maintain the current level of toileting skills: While familiar objects can provide comfort, regression is typically situational and temporary. Bringing a potty chair may be helpful but is not essential for restoring previously established skills. Normal routines at home usually suffice.
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"B"},"F":{"answers":"C"}}
Explanation
Rationale:
• Administer antibiotics: The client presents with left lower leg erythema, warmth, swelling, and a recent skin break, consistent with cellulitis. The presence of elevated WBC count (14.7 x 10⁹/L) supports an infectious process. Early administration of cefazolin IV is indicated to treat the bacterial infection and prevent progression to systemic infection or sepsis.
• Encourage consumption of protein and vitamin C: Adequate nutrition, including protein and vitamin C, supports wound healing and immune function. The client has a small scab and ongoing infection; protein is necessary for tissue repair, and vitamin C contributes to collagen synthesis and immune response. Supporting nutrition enhances recovery from cellulitis.
• Instruct incentive spirometry use every hour: Incentive spirometry is primarily indicated for clients at risk for pulmonary complications, particularly after surgery or with immobility. This client has no current pulmonary compromise or respiratory risk beyond baseline, so frequent incentive spirometry is nonessential.
• Use petroleum based lotion on skin: Petroleum-based lotion may increase skin moisture and maceration, particularly in an area of infection, which can worsen bacterial proliferation. Applying such products to an inflamed or broken area is contraindicated. Skin integrity must be protected without creating an environment favorable to infection.
• Suggest that client ambulate often: Frequent ambulation is contraindicated in the acute phase of cellulitis with leg swelling and pain. Increased movement may exacerbate edema, pain, or tissue injury. Bedrest or limited activity until infection stabilizes reduces the risk of complications such as cellulitis spread or ulceration.
• Apply thromboembolism deterrent stockings (TED): TED stockings are contraindicated in this client because applying compression over an acutely infected, edematous lower extremity can worsen tissue perfusion and increase discomfort. Compression should be avoided in infected or inflamed limbs until infection resolves. Applying TEDs could exacerbate local edema and pain.
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