The nurse is evaluating a client for possible deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which assessment should the nurse perform?
Inspect for distention of peripheral veins
Observe for change in breathing pattern
Palpate the volume of pedal pulses
Assess for inflammation of the calves
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Inspecting peripheral vein distention assesses superficial thrombosis, not deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs in deep veins like the femoral. DVT presents with calf inflammation, not visible vein distention, making this assessment less specific for diagnosing the condition’s classic signs.
Choice B reason: Observing breathing pattern changes detects pulmonary embolism, a DVT complication, not DVT itself. Calf inflammation is a primary DVT sign, and breathing changes are secondary, making this assessment irrelevant for initial DVT evaluation, focusing on systemic rather than localized findings.
Choice C reason: Palpating pedal pulses assesses arterial flow, not venous thrombosis. DVT causes calf inflammation and swelling, not pulse changes, unless severe. This assessment is less relevant, as DVT primarily affects venous return, making calf inflammation the priority for diagnosis.
Choice D reason: Assessing calf inflammation is critical, as DVT causes unilateral swelling, redness, and warmth due to venous obstruction. This classic sign, often with pain, directly indicates thrombus formation, making it the most specific assessment for diagnosing DVT and guiding anticoagulation therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Teaching a family member to administer eye drops is important for post-discharge care but not immediate. Eye protection prevents injury post-surgery, and drops are nurse-administered in-hospital, making this intervention secondary to ensuring the surgical site’s safety.
Choice B reason: Providing an eye shield for sleeping is critical immediately, as the right eye is vulnerable to trauma post-glass removal. The shield prevents accidental rubbing or pressure, reducing infection or displacement risk, making it the priority intervention for postoperative protection.
Choice C reason: Deep breathing and coughing exercises prevent pulmonary issues in major surgeries, not minor eye procedures. These may increase intraocular pressure, risking surgical complications, making this intervention inappropriate and potentially harmful for eye surgery recovery.
Choice D reason: Obtaining vital signs every 2 hours monitors systemic stability but is not specific to eye surgery. Eye shield use prevents immediate trauma, and vital signs are secondary, as local protection is the priority post-glass removal to ensure healing.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Palpable cervical lymph nodes suggest infection or malignancy, not stroke risk. Stroke is linked to vascular issues like carotid stenosis, detected by bruit. Lymph nodes are unrelated to cerebrovascular pathology, making this finding irrelevant for identifying stroke risk in the client.
Choice B reason: Carotid bruit indicates turbulent flow from stenosis, a major stroke risk due to potential embolism or reduced cerebral perfusion. This vascular finding directly correlates with ischemic stroke, making it the most critical assessment to report for stroke prevention and evaluation.
Choice C reason: Nuchal rigidity suggests meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage, not ischemic stroke risk. Carotid bruit is a specific precursor to embolic stroke, and nuchal rigidity addresses different neurological conditions, making this finding less relevant for stroke risk assessment.
Choice D reason: Jugular vein distention indicates heart failure or venous pressure, not arterial stroke risk. Carotid bruit directly relates to cerebrovascular disease, a stroke precursor, making jugular distention irrelevant, as it reflects cardiovascular, not cerebrovascular, pathology in stroke risk evaluation.
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