The triage nurse in the emergency department is assessing a client who reports pain and swelling in the right lower leg. The client's pain became much worse last night and appeared along with fever, chills, and sweating. The client states, "I hit my leg on the car door 4 or 5 days ago, and the sore is getting bigger" The client has a history of diabetes mellitus type 2. Which condition should the nurse anticipate for this client?

Venous thromboembolism (VTE)

Cellulitis

Arterial insufficiency

Thrombocytopenia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) - While VTE can cause leg pain and swelling, the presence of fever, chills, and localized trauma history in this scenario points more toward cellulitis.

B. Cellulitis
The client's symptoms, including pain, swelling, fever, chills, and sweating, are indicative of cellulitis, which is a bacterial skin infection. The history of trauma to the leg (hitting the leg on the car door) could have introduced bacteria into the skin, leading to the infection. The client's diabetes mellitus type 2 also increases the risk of developing skin infections due to impaired immune function and circulation. Cellulitis often presents with localized pain, swelling, warmth, redness, and systemic symptoms like fever and chills. Immediate medical evaluation and appropriate antibiotic treatment are necessary for cellulitis.

C. Arterial insufficiency - Arterial insufficiency typically presents with symptoms like intermittent claudication, rest pain, and non-healing wounds due to poor circulation. The symptoms described in the scenario are more consistent with an acute infection (cellulitis) rather than chronic arterial insufficiency.

D. Thrombocytopenia - Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by low platelet count and does not directly cause localized pain, swelling, and redness in the leg as described in the scenario.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Avoiding the use of ice packs to treat muscle pain - While ice packs can cause skin damage in older adults with thinning skin, it is not the most appropriate response to the question. Protecting against shearing injuries is a more direct and specific concern related to thinning skin.

B. Protecting older adults against excessive sweat accumulation - Excessive sweat accumulation can lead to skin irritation, but this option does not directly address the issue of thinning skin as the primary concern in the question.

C. By protecting older adults against shearing injuries
Thinning skin in older adults makes them more vulnerable to skin injuries, especially shearing injuries. Shearing occurs when the skin is pulled in one direction while the underlying bone and tissues are pulled in the opposite direction. This can lead to skin tears and other wounds, which can be painful and slow to heal in older adults. Nurses should take special precautions to prevent shearing injuries, such as using lift sheets or sliding devices when moving patients, and ensuring that patients are repositioned frequently to reduce friction and shearing forces.

D. Avoiding the use of lotion on older adults' skin - Proper moisturization of the skin is important, especially in older adults, to prevent dryness and skin breakdown. Avoiding lotion is not a recommended practice; instead, choosing appropriate, non-irritating lotions can help maintain skin integrity.

A. Manage bladder irrigation following the procedure. B. Administer a bolus of 750 mi. normal saline following the procedure C. Strain the client's urine following the procedure. D. Insert a urinary catheter for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Manage bladder irrigation following the procedure. - Bladder irrigation is not typically performed after ESWL. It may be used in other urological procedures, but it is not a standard post-procedural care for ESWL.

B. Administer a bolus of 750 mL normal saline following the procedure. - While maintaining hydration is important, there is no specific requirement for a bolus of normal saline after ESWL. Hydration is usually encouraged, but the amount and method of administration are determined based on the client's overall fluid status and medical condition.

C. Strain the client's urine following the procedure.
After extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), it is essential to strain the client's urine to collect any stone fragments. Straining allows healthcare providers to analyze the composition of the stones, ensuring that all fragments have been passed. This information helps in assessing the effectiveness of the procedure and guides further management.

D. Insert a urinary catheter for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. - Inserting a urinary catheter is not a routine post-procedural measure after ESWL. Catheterization might be necessary in certain situations or for specific medical reasons, but it is not a standard practice after ESWL for all clients.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A gerontologic nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about integumentary changes that occur in older adults, such as thinning skin. How should these students best integrate these changes into care planning?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with kidney stones is scheduled for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). What should the nurse include in the client's postprocedural care?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is assessing a client admitted with renal stones. During the admission assessment, what is the priority questions to ask?

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