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 ["C","E"]
Explanation
C. Regularly selects salty snacks to eat in the evening: Consuming excessive amounts of sodium (found in salty snacks) can increase blood pressure and contribute to the development of hypertension.
E. Chews tobacco while playing baseball every weekend: Tobacco use, including chewing tobacco, is associated with an increased risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.
The other choices are incorrect because they do not directly contribute to an increased risk of hypertension:
A. Drinks a protein supplement for breakfast every day: Consuming a protein supplement for breakfast does not necessarily increase the risk of hypertension. However, it is important to note that some protein supplements may contain added sodium, which can contribute to hypertension if consumed in excessive amounts.
B. Eats eight ounces of nonfat yogurt for lunch daily: Eating nonfat yogurt is generally considered a healthy food choice. However, unless the yogurt is high in added sodium, it would not significantly increase the risk of hypertension.
D. Walks briskly for two miles every day after work: Regular exercise, such as brisk walking, is generally beneficial for cardiovascular health and can help lower blood pressure. It is unlikely to increase the risk of hypertension.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The client finding that necessitates immediate attention by the practical nurse (PN) is a client who is having bright red drainage from the rectum following a colonoscopy with polyp removal. Bright red rectal bleeding can indicate active bleeding and immediate intervention is required to assess the severity of the bleeding, control the bleeding if possible, and prevent further complications.
A. The older client with a blood pressure of 100/70 after receiving meperidine for pain may require further assessment, but it does not indicate an immediate life-threatening condition.
B. Pink urine draining from the indwelling urinary catheter following a transurethral prostatectomy may be expected due to the surgical procedure, but it should still be monitored.
D. Brown-green bile draining from a T-tube after cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis is also an expected finding.
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