The nurse observes the presence of brittle, concave curves to the nails of a client on assessment. Which information should the nurse obtain from the client that may explain the appearance of the nails?
Diabetes mellitus.
Recent candida infection.
Iron deficiency anemia.
Coronary heart disease.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Diabetes mellitus: While diabetes can lead to various complications affecting the nails, such as yellowing or thickening due to poor circulation and infections, it is not typically associated with brittle, concave (spoon-shaped) nails.
B) Recent candida infection: Candida infections can affect the nails, causing them to become discolored, thickened, or separated from the nail bed, but they do not typically cause the nails to become brittle and concave.
C) Iron deficiency anemia: This condition is often associated with brittle, spoon-shaped (concave) nails, known as koilonychia. Iron deficiency anemia affects the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, which can lead to changes in the nail beds, making them appear concave and brittle.
D) Coronary heart disease: While coronary heart disease can lead to changes in the nails due to poor circulation, it is not commonly associated with the specific finding of brittle, concave nails. Other nail changes might include clubbing or cyanosis, but not typically koilonychia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
Answer: C. Age when the client started smoking.
Knowing when the client began smoking is essential for determining the total duration of smoking. This information allows the nurse to calculate how long the client has been exposed to tobacco, which is critical for assessing potential health risks associated with their smoking history.
D. Packs of cigarettes smoked per day.
This information is crucial as it directly contributes to the calculation of pack years. Understanding how many packs the client smokes each day helps quantify their level of tobacco exposure. For instance, smoking one pack per day for ten years results in ten pack years, while two packs per day over the same period would lead to twenty pack years.
E. Number of years the client smoked.
This detail is necessary to determine the total duration of the smoking habit. The total number of years smoked, combined with the daily pack consumption, provides a comprehensive view of the client's smoking history. It allows the nurse to assess the cumulative risk associated with long-term tobacco use, which is important for evaluating the client’s health and potential interventions.
Rationale for Options Not Selected:
A. Number of attempts to quit smoking.
While this information can provide insight into the client's motivation and efforts to quit, it is not relevant for calculating pack years. Pack years focus specifically on the amount and duration of smoking, rather than attempts to quit, which may be useful in assessing readiness for cessation interventions but does not factor into the calculation of exposure.
B. Client's current age.
Although the client's age can provide context regarding their smoking history, it is not necessary for the actual calculation of pack years. Instead, it is the age when the client started smoking, along with the total years smoked and the number of packs smoked per day, that are critical for this specific assessment. The current age is not needed to compute pack years directly.
Summary of Calculation:
To calculate pack years, use the formula:
- Pack Years = (Number of packs smoked per day) × (Number of years smoked)
For example, if a client smoked 1 pack per day for 20 years, they would have 20 pack years. If they smoked 2 packs a day for the same period, that would equate to 40 pack years. This measurement is essential for understanding the health risks associated with smoking and guiding further assessment and intervention strategies.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Dimpled area above anus:
This finding may indicate a pilonidal cyst, which is an abnormality rather than a normal appearance of the anus.
B) Flap of tissue at sphincter:
A flap of tissue at the anal sphincter, also known as the anal valve, is a normal anatomical feature. It helps maintain continence and prevents leakage of stool.
C) Increased pigmentation and coarse skin:
Increased pigmentation and coarse skin may be typical findings in the perianal area due to factors such as friction, moisture, or aging. While not everyone will have this appearance, it is within the range of normal variations.
D) Hypotonic tone of the anal sphincter:
Hypotonic tone of the anal sphincter may suggest weakness or dysfunction of the anal sphincter, which is not considered a normal finding.
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