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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Void every 6 to 8 hours:This interval may not be frequent enough. It is generally recommended to void every 2 to 3 hours to help flush out bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
B. Avoid voiding immediately after sexual intercourse.This is not recommended. It is actually advised to void immediately after sexual intercourse to help flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
C. Take a bubble bath daily and keep the perineal region clean:
While keeping the perineal region clean is important for general hygiene, taking bubble baths and using heavily scented products can irritate the urethra and potentially increase the risk of UTIs. The nurse should advise against frequent bubble baths and suggest using mild, unscented soaps for the perineal area.
D. Increase the daily amount of water consumed:
Drinking more water helps increase urine output, which helps flush out bacteria from the urinary tract and can reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Client with restricted activity - Patients with limited mobility are at a higher risk for pressure ulcers because they are unable to change positions easily, leading to prolonged pressure on certain body parts.
B. Client who can ambulate - Patients who can ambulate have the ability to shift their body weight and change positions, reducing the risk of prolonged pressure on specific areas. Ambulation can improve circulation and reduce the risk of pressure ulcers
C. Client with a cast - Clients with casts are often limited in their ability to move or change positions, making them susceptible to pressure ulcers in areas where the cast creates pressure points on the skin.
D. Client with good nutrition - Proper nutrition is essential for overall health, including skin health. Adequate nutrition promotes wound healing and tissue repair. Good nutrition is not a risk factor for pressure ulcers; in fact, it can contribute to preventing them by maintaining healthy skin.
E. Client with urinary and fecal incontinence - Incontinence can lead to moisture on the skin, making it more susceptible to breakdown. Prolonged exposure to moisture, especially in the presence of urine or feces, can increase the risk of pressure ulcer development.
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