The practical nurse (PN) applies a preparation with keratolytic properties to both legs of a client with psoriasis. Which finding indicates that the desired effect has been achieved?
Scaly areas of the skin appear softer with less peeling
No purulent drainage present from lesions on the legs
Affected areas are free of localized redness and swelling
Full range of motion without pain of lower extremity joints
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Keratolytic agents, like salicylic acid, break down keratin in psoriatic plaques, softening scaly skin and reducing peeling. This promotes shedding of thickened, dead skin cells, improving skin texture. Softer, less scaly skin directly indicates the medication’s effect on hyperkeratotic lesions, confirming therapeutic success.
Choice B reason: Absence of purulent drainage indicates no infection but is not the primary goal of keratolytics. These agents target scale reduction, not infection. Psoriasis lesions are typically not purulent, so this finding is unrelated to the medication’s intended effect on skin texture.
Choice C reason: Reduced redness and swelling suggest decreased inflammation, which is not the primary action of keratolytics. Anti-inflammatory agents, like corticosteroids, target these symptoms, while keratolytics focus on scale removal. This finding is irrelevant to the medication’s specific role in psoriasis management.
Choice D reason: Full range of motion without pain relates to joint function, possibly in psoriatic arthritis, but is unrelated to keratolytics, which treat skin lesions. Keratolytics do not affect joint inflammation or mobility, making this choice incorrect for assessing the medication’s skin-specific effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Peak and trough levels are relevant for drugs like vancomycin, not meloxicam, an NSAID. Meloxicam’s efficacy is assessed clinically via pain reduction, not blood levels, as it inhibits inflammation-causing prostaglandins, making this choice irrelevant for costochondritis management.
Choice B reason: Reassessing pain 30 minutes after meloxicam administration evaluates its effectiveness, as this NSAID reduces cyclooxygenase activity, decreasing prostaglandin-mediated pain and inflammation in costochondritis. Timely reassessment ensures adequate relief, guiding further interventions for breathing discomfort, making this the appropriate intervention.
Choice C reason: Involuntary lip and tongue movements are linked to antipsychotics causing tardive dyskinesia, not meloxicam. This NSAID does not affect neurological pathways causing movement disorders. Monitoring for this is irrelevant, as meloxicam’s primary risks are gastrointestinal, not neurological.
Choice D reason: Strict intake and output monitoring is unnecessary for meloxicam, which targets inflammation, not fluid balance. While long-term use may affect renal function, pain reassessment is more immediate for costochondritis, making this choice less relevant than evaluating therapeutic pain relief.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Range of motion assesses muscle relaxant effectiveness, as these drugs, like cyclobenzaprine, reduce muscle spasms by acting on the central nervous system, relieving pain and improving mobility. Increased leg movement indicates reduced spasm and pain, directly reflecting the drug’s therapeutic action.
Choice B reason: Capillary refill evaluates perfusion, not muscle relaxation. Muscle relaxants target spasms, not vascular status. While pain may indirectly affect circulation, capillary refill does not measure the drug’s primary effect on muscle function, making this choice irrelevant.
Choice C reason: Dependent edema reflects fluid status, not muscle relaxant efficacy. These drugs reduce muscle tension, not swelling. Edema is unrelated to leg pain from spasms, and muscle relaxants do not affect fluid dynamics, making this choice inappropriate for assessment.
Choice D reason: Skin temperature may indicate inflammation or circulation but is not specific to muscle relaxant effects. These drugs alleviate spasms, improving mobility, not temperature. Range of motion directly measures spasm relief, making this choice less relevant for evaluating the medication’s impact.
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