The nurse is performing an integumentary system assessment of a patient who has smoked for the last 40 years. The patient has clubbing of the fingernails. What does this finding indicate to the nurse?

The patient has asthma.

The patient has cardiovascular disease.

The patient has emphysema.

The patient has chronic hypoxemia.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A) The patient has asthma: While asthma can lead to respiratory symptoms and issues, it is not typically associated with clubbing of the fingernails. Asthma primarily affects airway constriction and inflammation, rather than causing the long-term changes in nail morphology seen with clubbing.

B) The patient has cardiovascular disease: Although some cardiovascular conditions can lead to clubbing, it is more commonly associated with chronic lung diseases. Cardiovascular disease might cause other signs or symptoms, but clubbing alone is not a definitive indicator of this condition.

C) The patient has emphysema: Emphysema, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by the destruction of lung tissue and impaired airflow. While it can contribute to hypoxemia, clubbing is not a common finding specifically associated with emphysema.
D) The patient has chronic hypoxemia: Clubbing of the fingernails is a classic sign of chronic hypoxemia, often resulting from long-term respiratory conditions like COPD, interstitial lung disease, or lung cancer. It indicates a prolonged lack of oxygen in the blood, leading to changes in the nail bed and digit shape. Given the patient's long smoking history, chronic hypoxemia is the most likely explanation for this finding.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Symmetry of lesions: While asymmetry can be a concern when assessing moles, it is not the most critical indicator when a lesion has already shown signs of burning and bleeding. Symmetry is one aspect of the overall assessment but does not immediately indicate danger in this scenario.
B) Border regularity: Irregular borders can suggest malignancy; however, the presence of burning and bleeding is a more pressing sign that warrants immediate attention. While border irregularity is important to assess, it is not as concerning as changes in color or the presence of symptoms like bleeding.
C) Diameter less than 6 mm: A diameter less than 6 mm is generally considered a normal size for moles and is not indicative of malignancy on its own. In this case, the burning and bleeding of the mole are more significant findings that raise concern, regardless of its size.
D) Color variation: Color variation in a pigmented lesion is a significant danger sign, as it can indicate changes that may suggest malignancy, especially when combined with other concerning symptoms like burning and bleeding. Variability in color may indicate the presence of different cell types and is a key factor in assessing the risk of melanoma.

A. Information sharing is limited to those directly involved in the client's care. B. All members of the units healthcare team may have access to the client's chart. C. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) determines who may communicate with the client. D. The medical records are open to any hospital employee, including administration.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Information sharing is limited to those directly involved in the client's care: This statement reflects the principle of confidentiality and the ethical obligation to protect the client's private health information. Only healthcare providers directly involved in the client’s care should have access to their information, ensuring that it remains secure and confidential.

B) All members of the unit's healthcare team may have access to the client's chart: While many healthcare team members need access to the client's information for care coordination, this statement is misleading. Access should be limited to those directly involved in the client’s care to protect their confidentiality.

C) The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) determines who may communicate with the client: While HIPAA does set guidelines for the protection of health information and governs the sharing of health data, it does not specifically determine who may communicate with the client. Instead, it focuses on protecting their privacy.

D) The medical records are open to any hospital employee, including administration: This statement is incorrect as it violates confidentiality principles. Medical records are not accessible to all hospital employees; access is restricted to authorized personnel only, ensuring that patient information is kept confidential.

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The nurse is performing an integumentary system assessment of a patient who has smoked for the last 40 years. The patient has clubbing of the fingernails. What does this finding indicate to the nurse?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The client tells the nurse that he has noticed that one of his moles has started to burn and bleed. The nurse should pay close attention to danger signs for pigmented lesions, and would be concerned with which additional finding?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is admitting a client to the acute care unit. Which should the nurse consider when regarding the confidentiality of the client?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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