The nurse is caring for a client with a history of neuropathy who reports increasing numbness and tingling in the lower extremities. Which problem should the nurse determine is the priority for promoting foot care at this time?
Risk for infection.
Impaired physical mobility.
Risk for impaired skin integrity.
Self care deficit.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Risk for infection:
Neuropathy can compromise the ability to detect injuries or wounds on the feet. Consequently, there's a risk of wounds going unnoticed, becoming infected, and leading to serious complications. While preventing infection is important, the primary concern in this scenario is preventing the occurrence of wounds or skin breakdown in the first place.
B. Impaired physical mobility:
Impaired physical mobility may be a concern for clients with neuropathy, especially if it affects their ability to walk or perform activities of daily living. However, in this scenario, the client is reporting increasing numbness and tingling in the lower extremities, indicating a sensory issue rather than a motor one. Therefore, while physical mobility is important, it may not be the immediate priority for promoting foot care in this case.
C. Risk for impaired skin integrity:
This option addresses the potential risk of skin breakdown or damage due to decreased sensation in the lower extremities, which is characteristic of neuropathy. With increasing numbness and tingling, there's a higher risk that the client may not be able to perceive injuries or pressure points, leading to skin damage or ulceration. Preventing skin integrity issues is crucial to avoid complications such as infections or wounds.
D. Self-care deficit:
Neuropathy can indeed impact a person's ability to perform self-care activities, including foot care. However, the priority in this scenario is to prevent complications related to neuropathy, such as skin integrity issues, rather than addressing deficits in self-care abilities. While self-care education and support may be necessary in the long term, immediate intervention to prevent skin breakdown takes precedence.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Capillary refill of 2 seconds in the lower right foot:
Capillary refill of 2 seconds in the lower right foot is within normal limits and does not require documentation in a chart-by-exception system, as it is considered an expected finding.
B. Basilar lung sounds that are diminished in the left lung:
Diminished basilar lung sounds in the left lung may indicate a respiratory issue and would be considered a significant finding warranting documentation in a chart-by-exception system.
C. Contraction of the left pupil when light shines in the right eye:
Contraction of the left pupil when light shines in the right eye is an abnormal finding (consensual response), which should be documented in a chart-by-exception system.
D. Active bowel sounds in the lower right quadrant:
Active bowel sounds in the lower right quadrant are within normal limits and do not require documentation in a chart-by-exception system, as they are considered expected findings.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. After each instruction, ask if the client understands:
While checking for understanding after each instruction is important, it may not accurately assess the client's ability to perform wound care independently. Verbal confirmation does not ensure competency in wound care techniques.
B. Have an interpreter repeat the wound care instructions:
Having an interpreter repeat the wound care instructions may help ensure accurate communication, but it does not assess the client's ability to perform the wound care independently.
C. Provide written instructions in the client's native language:
Providing written instructions in the client's native language can be helpful for reference, but it may not effectively assess the client's understanding or ability to perform the wound care.
D. Have the client demonstrate prescribed wound care:
This is the most appropriate method for evaluating the client's understanding of self-care at home. Having the client demonstrate wound care techniques allows the nurse to directly observe the client's competency in performing the necessary tasks. It provides a practical assessment of the client's ability to independently manage wound care post-discharge. If the client is unable to demonstrate the procedure correctly, the nurse can provide additional education and support as needed.
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