The elderly patient is being assessed for skin turgor. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Press the skin over the client's ankle bone
Lightly palpate the skin using the fingertips
Grasp a fold of skin on the client's forearm or near the sternum
Observe for non blanching, pinpoint-size, red or purple spots on the skin of the abdomen
The Correct Answer is C
A. Press the skin over the client's ankle bone. – The skin over bony prominences does not provide an accurate assessment of turgor due to reduced subcutaneous tissue in elderly clients.
B. Lightly palpate the skin using the fingertips. – Light palpation assesses texture and moisture but does not evaluate skin turgor.
C. Grasp a fold of skin on the client’s forearm or near the sternum. – Skin turgor is best assessed by gently pinching the skin on the forearm or sternum. Delayed return to normal indicates dehydration or decreased skin elasticity due to aging.
D. Observe for non-blanching, pinpoint-size, red or purple spots on the skin of the abdomen. – This describes petechiae, which indicate capillary fragility or bleeding disorders, not skin turgor.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Edema. – Edema refers to fluid buildup in the interstitial spaces, leading to swelling in tissues. It can be caused by conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease, or inflammation.
B. Ecchymosis. – Ecchymosis refers to bruising caused by blood leakage into subcutaneous tissue, not fluid accumulation.
C. Pallor. – Pallor describes an abnormal pale appearance of the skin, often due to anemia or shock, rather than fluid accumulation.
D. Erythematosis. – Erythematosis is associated with redness and inflammation, not fluid retention.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","F"]
Explanation
A. Dizziness, especially when rising from a sitting position – Dizziness is a subjective symptom reported by the patient rather than an objectively observed sign.
B. Blood pressure 145/84 – Blood pressure is an objective measurement and is considered a sign because it can be directly observed and recorded.
C. Unexplained weight gain since his last clinic visit 1 month ago – Weight gain is a measurable and observable change, making it a sign, especially in conditions like heart failure.
D. Exertional dyspnea – Exertional dyspnea (shortness of breath with activity) is a subjective experience reported by the patient, making it a symptom rather than a sign.
E. Has been sleeping on 2 pillows for the past 2 weeks – The need for multiple pillows to relieve breathing difficulty (orthopnea) is a subjective symptom, not an observable sign.
F. 2+ edema in J.M.'s legs – Edema (swelling) is an observable physical finding, making it a sign. It is commonly associated with heart failure and fluid retention.
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