The practical nurse (PN) applies and then releases pressure to a client's fingernail as seen in the photo. Normal nail color returns in 2 seconds. Which action should the PN take?
Report abnormal findings to the charge nurse.
Observe for blanching of the nailbed.
Repeat the process with a different nailbed.
Document the capillary refill time.
The Correct Answer is D
- Capillary refill time is a test that measures how quickly the blood returns to the tissues after pressure is applied and released on a nailbed or a fingertip. It is an indicator of peripheral circulation and tissue perfusion.
- To perform the capillary refill test, the examiner should press firmly on the nailbed or fingertip for a few seconds, then release the pressure and observe how long it takes for the normal color to return. The normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds .
- In the photo, the practical nurse (PN) applies and then releases pressure to a client's fingernail. Normal nail color returns in 2 seconds, which indicates a normal capillary refill time and adequate peripheral circulation. This is a normal and expected finding that does not require any further action, except for documentation.
- Therefore, option D is the correct answer, as it reflects the appropriate and standard nursing practice of documenting any assessment findings in the client's chart. Option D also implies that the PN does not need to report, observe, or repeat anything else related to the capillary refill test, as it was done correctly and yielded normal results.
- Options A, B, and C are incorrect answers, as they do not reflect the appropriate or necessary actions for the PN to take after performing a normal capillary refill test.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose levels drop below normal levels. It is commonly associated with diabetes mellitus and can result from various factors such as excessive insulin or oral hypoglycemic medication, delayed or missed meals, increased physical activity, or alcohol consumption.
Tremors, or shaking hands, are one of the early signs of hypoglycemia. They can occur due to the brain's response to low blood glucose levels. Other early signs of hypoglycemia may include sweating, palpitations, anxiety, hunger, and weakness.
A. Polyuria, or excessive urination, is not typically associated with hypoglycemia. It is more commonly seen in conditions such as hyperglycemia or diabetes insipidus.
C. Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not a characteristic sign of hypoglycemia. It can occur in some cases of severe hypoglycemia, but it is not an early sign.
D. Difficulty swallowing is not directly related to hypoglycemia. It may be caused by other factors such as neurological or muscular conditions, esophageal disorders, or structural abnormalities in the throat or esophagus.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is the action that the PN should implement when assessing a client with an indwelling urinary catheter and observing that the catheter drainage bag, which is half-full, is attached to the side rail and the tubing is looped on the bed. Attaching the drainage bag to the bed frame ensures that the bag is below the level of the bladder and prevents backflow of urine, which can cause infection or obstruction. The PN should also straighten the tubing and avoid any kinks or loops that may interfere with the drainage.
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