The nurse has just completed palpation maneuvers for lymph nodes on an older adult female client. Which findings are considered normal for this elderly client?
Nodes feel ropey and rubbery.
Axillary nodes feel soft and fatty.
Inguinal nodes are enlarged and warm to the touch.
Nodes are non-palpable.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Lymph nodes that feel ropey and rubbery might indicate chronic inflammation or fibrosis. This texture is not typically considered normal. In elderly clients, lymph nodes may become less palpable due to age- related changes, but they should not feel ropey or rubbery. If lymph nodes feel this way, it may warrant further investigation to rule out pathological conditions.
B. In elderly clients, axillary lymph nodes may feel softer and less defined due to fatty tissue changes associated with aging. However, "soft and fatty" should be interpreted cautiously. While some degree of change is normal, nodes should not be excessively soft, nor should they have an abnormal appearance. The key is that they should not be hard, fixed, or tender, which would be indicative of pathology.
C. Enlarged and warm inguinal lymph nodes suggest infection or inflammation rather than a normal finding. In the elderly, while lymph nodes can sometimes be palpable, they should not be enlarged or warm, as this could indicate an underlying condition or infection that requires further evaluation.
D. It is normal for lymph nodes to be non-palpable in many individuals, including older adults. Age- related changes can cause lymph nodes to be less prominent or difficult to palpate. If lymph nodes are non-palpable, it usually means they are not enlarged or abnormal, which is a normal finding, especially if the client is not experiencing any symptoms of infection or other related issues.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Being oriented x 3 means the client is aware of their name, the current time (or day), and the location (place). In this case, since the client is only able to remember his name and where he is, but not the time, day, or date, this documentation would be incorrect. The client does not meet the criteria for being oriented x 3.
B. Being oriented x 1 means the client is aware of only one aspect of orientation, such as their name. Since the client is able to remember both his name and his location, documenting as oriented x 1 would not fully capture the extent of the client's orientation. The client is oriented to more than one aspect.
C. Being oriented x 2 means the client is aware of two aspects of orientation. In this case, since the client is able to remember his name and his location (but not the time, day, or date), documenting as oriented x 2 accurately reflects his level of orientation.
D. Being oriented x 4 means the client is aware of four aspects: their name, the current time (or day), the date, and the location. Given that the client can only remember his name and location, this
documentation would be incorrect as it does not align with the client’s current state of orientation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Skin elasticity is assessed by pinching the skin to see how quickly it returns to its normal position, which is often done to evaluate hydration status or the presence of dehydration. While skin elasticity is an important overall assessment of skin health, it is not directly related to the assessment of erythema.
B. Palpating the erythematous area for warmth and swelling is a crucial follow-up assessment. Erythema (redness of the skin) can be a sign of inflammation or infection, and the presence of warmth and swelling can help determine if the area is inflamed or if there might be an underlying infection.
C. Oxygen saturation measurements assess the level of oxygen in the blood, typically using a pulse oximeter. While oxygen saturation is important for assessing overall respiratory and circulatory health, it is not directly related to evaluating the cause or characteristics of erythema. Therefore, this would not be the most relevant follow-up assessment for a red area on the skin.
D. Observing the appearance of the nailbeds can provide information about overall circulation and oxygenation, but it is not directly related to assessing a localized area of erythema on the skin. Changes in the nailbeds can indicate systemic conditions but would not provide specific information about the erythematous area in question.
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