The nurse, who is assessing a client with peripheral vascular disease, notes that the client has no hair on the legs and has thick toenails. Which statement describes the cause of this finding?
Decreased hair is most likely a hereditary condition and nail changes are related to fungus.
A blood clot may be forming and the client needs immediate intervention.
Decreased oxygen to the tissues causes changes in hair growth and nail texture.
Depending on the client's age, the findings may be normal.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Decreased hair is most likely a hereditary condition and nail changes are related to fungus is not the statement that describes the cause of this finding. This statement is not based on evidence and does not explain the relationship between peripheral vascular disease and the observed changes in the legs and feet.
Choice B reason: A blood clot may be forming and the client needs immediate intervention is not the statement that describes the cause of this finding. This statement is an alarmist and inaccurate interpretation of the finding. A blood clot would cause more acute and severe symptoms, such as pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area.
Choice C reason: Decreased oxygen to the tissues causes changes in hair growth and nail texture is the statement that describes the cause of this finding. This statement is based on the pathophysiology of peripheral vascular disease, which is a chronic condition that reduces the blood flow to the extremities due to atherosclerosis or inflammation of the blood vessels. The reduced blood flow leads to tissue ischemia and necrosis, which can manifest as hair loss, thickening and yellowing of the nails, skin ulcers, and gangrene.
Choice D reason: Depending on the client's age, the findings may be normal is not the statement that describes the cause of this finding. This statement is a vague and dismissive response that does not address the underlying problem of peripheral vascular disease. The findings are not normal for any age group and require further assessment and intervention.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the most concerning result for the nurse. Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism that is filtered by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. A high creatinine level indicates impaired kidney function, which can be a complication of hypertension. The normal range of creatinine is 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for men and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for women. A creatinine level of 3.2 mg/dL is more than twice the upper limit of normal and suggests severe kidney damage.
Choice B reason: This is not a concerning result for the nurse. Potassium is an electrolyte that is essential for the function of nerves and muscles, especially the heart. The normal range of potassium is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. A potassium level of 3.4 mEq/L is slightly below the normal range, but not enough to cause serious problems. A low potassium level can be caused by diuretics, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating. The nurse should monitor the client's potassium level and symptoms, and advise the client to eat foods that are high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, and tomatoes.
Choice C reason: This is not a concerning result for the nurse. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues. The normal range of hemoglobin is 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL for men and 12.0 to 15.5 g/dL for women. A hemoglobin level of 12.8 g/dL is within the normal range for women and slightly below the normal range for men, but not enough to cause significant anemia. A low hemoglobin level can be caused by blood loss, iron deficiency, or bone marrow disorders. The nurse should assess the client's history, diet, and symptoms, and check for other signs of anemia, such as pallor, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Choice D reason: This is not a concerning result for the nurse. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a waste product of protein metabolism that is filtered by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. A high BUN level indicates impaired kidney function or dehydration. The normal range of BUN is 7 to 20 mg/dL. A BUN level of 20 mg/dL is at the upper limit of normal, but not enough to indicate serious kidney problems. The nurse should ensure that the client is well hydrated and monitor the client's urine output and specific gravity.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Having analgesic properties without sedation is not the rationale for prescribing aspirin and clopidogrel for coronary artery disease. Aspirin and clopidogrel are antiplatelet drugs that prevent blood clots from forming in the arteries that supply the heart. They do not have significant analgesic or sedative effects.
Choice B reason: Triggering vasodilation and improving blood flow is not the rationale for prescribing aspirin and clopidogrel for coronary artery disease. Aspirin and clopidogrel do not directly cause vasodilation or increase blood flow. They work by reducing the stickiness of platelets and preventing them from clumping together and blocking the arteries.
Choice C reason: Improving contractility and decreasing afterload is not the rationale for prescribing aspirin and clopidogrel for coronary artery disease. Aspirin and clopidogrel do not affect the contractility or the afterload of the heart. They act on the blood vessels and the blood cells, not on the heart muscle. Contractility and afterload are influenced by other drugs such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.
Choice D reason: This is the correct answer. Inhibiting platelet aggregation and clot formation is the rationale for prescribing aspirin and clopidogrel for coronary artery disease. Aspirin and clopidogrel are antiplatelet drugs that interfere with the function of platelets, which are blood cells that help with clotting. By inhibiting platelet aggregation and clot formation, aspirin and clopidogrel reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with coronary artery disease.
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