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A client is experiencing numbness and tingling distal to a new arm cast with no increase in pain. The nurse assesses that the client's fingers are pale, cool, and swollen. What action does the nurse take next?

Choice A reason: Truck driver is not an occupation that increases the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, because it does not involve repetitive or forceful flexion or extension of the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, is compressed or irritated by inflammation, swelling, or pressure. Truck drivers may experience other musculoskeletal problems, such as back pain, neck pain, or shoulder pain, due to prolonged sitting, vibration, or poor posture.

Choice B reason: Nursing assistant is an occupation that increases the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, but it is not the best answer, because it involves other factors besides repetitive motion that can contribute to the condition. Nursing assistants may perform repetitive tasks, such as lifting, transferring, or bathing patients, that can strain the wrist and the median nerve. However, they may also experience other risk factors, such as trauma, infection, arthritis, or pregnancy, that can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

Choice C reason: Elementary school teacher is not an occupation that increases the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, because it does not involve repetitive or forceful flexion or extension of the wrist. Elementary school teachers may perform some tasks, such as writing, typing, or grading papers, that can involve wrist movement, but they are not likely to be frequent or intense enough to cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Elementary school teachers may experience other stressrelated problems, such as headaches, fatigue, or burnout, due to the demands of their work.

Choice D reason: Assembly line worker is the best answer, because it is an occupation that increases the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, due to the nature and duration of the work. Assembly line workers may perform repetitive, forceful, or awkward movements of the wrist, such as twisting, bending, or gripping, that can cause compression or irritation of the median nerve. Assembly line workers may also work for long hours, with little rest or variation, that can exacerbate the condition.

Choice A reason: Sensory perception is one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it measures the degree to which the client can respond to pressurerelated discomfort or pain. Sensory perception can be affected by factors such as level of consciousness, spinal cord injury, or neuropathy. Sensory perception can influence the risk of pressure injuries, as clients with impaired sensory perception may not be able to feel or report the pressure, or change their position to relieve the pressure.

Choice B reason: Age is not one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it is not a direct or independent predictor of pressure injury risk. Age is a demographic variable that can be associated with other factors that affect the risk of pressure injuries, such as skin condition, mobility, or comorbidities. However, age itself is not a factor that is measured or scored in the Braden Scale assessment.

Choice C reason: Friction and shear is one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it measures the degree to which the client's skin is exposed to rubbing or sliding forces. Friction and shear can be affected by factors such as bed linens, transfers, or repositioning. Friction and shear can influence the risk of pressure injuries, as they can damage the skin and underlying tissues, or reduce the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the skin and tissues.

Choice D reason: Nutrition is one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it measures the degree to which the client's intake of food and fluids meets the body's needs. Nutrition can be affected by factors such as appetite, dentition, or swallowing. Nutrition can influence the risk of pressure injuries, as it can affect the skin integrity, wound healing, and immune function of the client.

Choice E reason: Mental state is not one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it is not a direct or independent predictor of pressure injury risk. Mental state is a psychological variable that can be associated with other factors that affect the risk of pressure injuries, such as sensory perception, mobility, or activity. However, mental state itself is not a factor that is measured or scored in the Braden Scale assessment.