The nurse is assessing a client with gallstones for jaundice. Which action should the nurse perform to confirm this information?
Assess conjunctival sacs of lower lids for pallor.
Observe the client's urine for dark orange color.
Examine client's sclera for icterus.
Review recent serum bilirubin levels.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Assessing conjunctival sacs of lower lids for pallor is incorrect. Pallor of the conjunctival sacs, or inner eyelids, may indicate anemia or decreased blood flow. While it can be a sign of various health conditions, it is not specific to jaundice. Jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the skin and sclerae (the white part of the eyes) due to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood, so assessing for pallor would not directly confirm jaundice.
Choice B Reason:
Observing the client's urine for dark orange color is incorrect. Dark orange urine may indicate concentrated urine or dehydration, but it is not specific to jaundice. Jaundice primarily manifests as yellowing of the skin and sclerae due to elevated bilirubin levels, rather than a change in urine color. While changes in urine color may occur in certain liver conditions, such as obstructive jaundice, it is not the most direct or reliable method to confirm jaundice.
Choice C Reason:
Examining client's sclera for icterus is correct. Icterus, or yellowing of the sclerae (the white part of the eyes), is a classic sign of jaundice. Elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood lead to the yellow discoloration of the sclerae, providing a direct visual confirmation of jaundice. Examining the sclerae for icterus is a quick and reliable method to confirm jaundice during a physical assessment.
Choice D Reason:
Reviewing recent serum bilirubin levels is incorrect. Reviewing recent serum bilirubin levels can provide objective data on bilirubin levels in the blood, which may support the diagnosis of jaundice. Elevated serum bilirubin levels are characteristic of jaundice. While this option provides valuable information, it may not be immediately available during a physical assessment and does not directly confirm jaundice visually, unlike examining the sclerae for icterus.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Pupils equal, round, reacts to light, and accommodation (PERLA) is inappropriate. While PERLA includes accommodation, which involves constriction of the pupils when focusing on a near object, accommodation was not specifically assessed or mentioned in the scenario. Therefore, it would be inaccurate to include it in the documentation based solely on the information provided.
Choice B Reason:
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 15 is inappropriate. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) assesses the level of consciousness based on eye, verbal, and motor responses. However, the scenario does not provide information about the client's verbal or motor responses, so using the GCS score of 15 would not accurately reflect the findings described in the assessment of the pupils.
Choice C Reason:
Pupils equal, round, reacts to light (PERRL) is appropriate. This notation describes the key observations made during the assessment of the client's pupils. "PERRL" stands for Pupils Equal, Round, and Reactive to Light. In the given scenario, both pupils are equal in size, round, and demonstrate a brisk response to light, indicating normal pupillary function.
Choice D Reason:
Neurological status intact is inappropriate. While the assessment findings suggest normal pupillary function, documenting "neurological status intact" is a broader statement that encompasses various aspects of neurological function beyond just pupillary assessment. It may be accurate to describe the pupillary findings within the context of a broader neurological assessment, but it does not specifically address the pupil findings as described in the scenario. Therefore, option C is the most appropriate notation for documenting the assessment findings of the pupils.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
During an abdominal assessment, the client's pain and abrupt cessation of inhalation during deep palpation, especially when accompanied by a high fever (103° F or 39.4° C), is indicative of potential peritonitis or an acute abdomen condition (e.g., appendicitis).Keeping the client NPO (nothing by mouth) is crucial to prepare them for potential emergency surgical intervention. Eating or drinking could complicate anesthesia and the surgical procedure.
Choice B Reason:
Electrocardiogram is incorrect. An electrocardiogram (ECG) may be indicated to assess cardiac function and rule out cardiac causes of chest pain or discomfort, particularly if there are associated symptoms such as shortness of breath or palpitations. However, in this scenario, the client's symptoms (abdominal pain, sudden cessation of inhalation during deep palpation, and elevated temperature) suggest a more immediate concern related to the abdominal condition rather than a primary cardiac issue.
Choice C Reason:
This is important for overall patient monitoring, but it is not the immediate priority for managing acute abdominal pain with suspected peritonitis.
Choice D Reason:
Complete bed rest is incorrect. Complete bed rest may be recommended in some cases of acute illness or injury to promote healing and prevent further exacerbation of symptoms. However, in this scenario, the client's symptoms suggest a potentially serious abdominal condition requiring further assessment and intervention beyond bed rest alone.
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