The nurse is caring for an immobilized client who is at risk for breakdown in skin integrity. Which pathophysiological process should the nurse note early in the development of a pressure injury?
Epidermal fragility and skin excoriation with serous drainage.
Hypodermal fluid accumulation and blister formation.
Necrotic tissue, purulent exudate and eschar formation.
Ischemic inflammatory response marked by erythemic skin.
The Correct Answer is D
Pressure injuries, also known as pressure ulcers or bedsores, result from prolonged pressure on the skin, leading to tissue ischemia and damage. Early recognition of the pathophysiological processes involved in pressure injury development is crucial for prevention and timely intervention. Here's why option D is the correct choice:
A) Epidermal fragility and skin excoriation with serous drainage:
This description more closely aligns with the characteristics of a superficial wound or abrasion rather than the early stages of a pressure injury. In pressure injuries, epidermal breakdown may occur later in the process, after prolonged pressure and tissue ischemia.
B) Hypodermal fluid accumulation and blister formation:
While fluid accumulation and blister formation can occur in some types of wounds, such as friction blisters or burns, they are not typically characteristic of the early stages of pressure injury development. Pressure injuries primarily involve tissue ischemia and damage due to pressure and shear forces.
C) Necrotic tissue, purulent exudate, and eschar formation:
This description is more indicative of advanced or severe pressure injuries rather than the early stages. Necrotic tissue, purulent exudate, and eschar formation typically occur in pressure injuries that have progressed to deeper tissue involvement and infection.
D) Ischemic inflammatory response marked by erythemic skin:
Correct. In the early stages of pressure injury development, the affected area may exhibit signs of tissue ischemia and inflammation, which can manifest as erythema (redness) of the skin. This erythema is a result of the body's inflammatory response to tissue damage caused by pressure and may indicate the need for intervention to relieve pressure and prevent further injury.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition characterized by non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland, leading to its enlargement. This enlargement can contribute to urinary retention by obstructing the flow of urine through the urethra. Here's the breakdown of the explanation:
A) Abnormal growth results in loss of bladder muscle tone:
While BPH can lead to urinary symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, and nocturia, it does not directly cause loss of bladder muscle tone. Instead, the enlarged prostate gland obstructs the bladder outlet, making it difficult for urine to pass through the urethra.
B) Inflammation causes spasms of the gland:
Inflammation of the prostate gland, known as prostatitis, can cause symptoms such as pelvic pain, dysuria, and urinary frequency, but it is not typically associated with BPH. BPH is characterized by benign growth of the prostate tissue rather than inflammation and spasms.
C) The enlarged gland compresses the urethra:
Correct. The primary mechanism by which BPH causes urinary retention is by compressing the urethra, which obstructs the flow of urine from the bladder. As the prostate gland enlarges, it can constrict the urethra, leading to symptoms such as hesitancy, weak urinary stream, incomplete emptying, and urinary retention.
D) Nerve compression decreases the sensation that the bladder is full:
While compression of nerves in the pelvic region can contribute to urinary symptoms, such as decreased sensation of bladder fullness, it is not the primary mechanism by which BPH causes urinary retention. The compression of the urethra by the enlarged prostate gland is the main factor leading to urinary obstruction and retention.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Shivering:
Shivering is not a normal inflammatory response to wound healing. It may indicate systemic symptoms such as fever or chills, which could be indicative of infection or other complications.
B) Purulent drainage:
Purulent drainage (pus) is often a sign of infection rather than a normal inflammatory response to wound healing. While some serous or serosanguinous drainage may be expected initially, purulent drainage suggests an abnormal response.
C) Temperature of 102° F (37.8° C):
A temperature of 102° F (37.8° C) is indicative of fever, which can occur in response to infection or inflammation. While fever is part of the inflammatory response, it is not necessarily considered a normal finding in the context of wound healing and may indicate an abnormal response such as infection.
D) Redness and localized heat:
Correct. Redness (erythema) and localized heat are typical signs of the inflammatory phase of wound healing. Inflammation is a normal response to tissue injury and is characterized by increased blood flow to the area, resulting in redness and warmth. These signs indicate that the body's immune response is active and working to repair the injured tissue.
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