Upon assessment of a newly admitted client, the nurse finds warmth, redness, edema, and tenderness to the left arm following mastectomy surgery 2 weeks ago. What might these assessment findings indicate?
Atopic dermatitis
Cellulitis
Seborrheic keratosis
Pemphigus
Lymphedema
The Correct Answer is E
Choice A reason: Atopic dermatitis is not a likely explanation for the assessment findings, as it is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes itching, scaling, and dryness of the skin, usually on the face, neck, and flexural areas.
Choice B reason: Cellulitis is a possible explanation for the assessment findings, as it is a bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues that causes warmth, redness, swelling, and pain of the affected area. However, it is not the most likely explanation, as it usually occurs as a result of a break in the skin, such as a wound, insect bite, or ulcer, which is not mentioned in the scenario.
Choice C reason: Seborrheic keratosis is not a relevant explanation for the assessment findings, as it is a benign skin growth that causes brown, black, or tan lesions that have a waxy or scaly appearance, usually on the face, chest, or back.
Choice D reason: Pemphigus is not a plausible explanation for the assessment findings, as it is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes blisters and erosions of the skin and mucous membranes, usually on the trunk, scalp, or mouth.
Choice E reason: Lymphedema is the most likely explanation for the assessment findings, as it is a condition that causes swelling of the arm due to impaired lymphatic drainage after mastectomy surgery. It can also cause warmth, redness, and tenderness of the affected limb.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is E
Explanation
Choice A reason: Increased circulation of the calf is not a sign or symptom of DVT, but a normal finding of the blood flow in the leg. It can be assessed by palpating the pulses, checking the capillary refill, or observing the skin color and temperature.
Choice B reason: Pale-appearing calf is not a sign or symptom of DVT, but a sign of arterial insufficiency or ischemia. It indicates the reduced blood supply and oxygen delivery to the tissues, which can cause pain, numbness, or coldness of the leg.
Choice C reason: Increased warmth in the calf is not a specific sign or symptom of DVT, but a possible sign of inflammation or infection. It may be accompanied by redness, swelling, or fever, which can indicate a local or systemic inflammatory response.
Choice D reason: Loss of sensation to the calf is not a sign or symptom of DVT, but a sign of nerve damage or compression. It may be caused by trauma, injury, diabetes, or other conditions that affect the peripheral nervous system.
Choice E reason: Swelling and tenderness of the calf is a common sign or symptom of DVT, as it indicates the presence of a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. It may also cause pain, cramping, or heaviness of the leg, which can worsen with movement or standing.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Corticosteroids are not a common treatment modality for contusions, strains, or sprains. They are anti-inflammatory drugs that may be used for chronic conditions such as arthritis, asthma, or allergies, but they have side effects such as weakening the immune system, increasing the risk of infection, and delaying wound healing.
Choice B reason: Resting the affected extremity is a common treatment modality for contusions, strains, or sprains. It helps to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, and to prevent further injury or damage to the tissues.
Choice C reason: Applying ice is a common treatment modality for contusions, strains, or sprains, but only for the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury. It helps to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation by constricting the blood vessels and decreasing the blood flow to the injured area. After 48 hours, heat may be applied to increase the blood flow and promote healing.
Choice D reason: Massage is not a common treatment modality for contusions, strains, or sprains. It may be beneficial for some chronic musculoskeletal conditions, but it should be avoided for acute injuries as it may increase the pain, swelling, and inflammation by stimulating the blood flow and aggravating the damaged tissues.
Choice E reason: Compression dressings are a common treatment modality for contusions, strains, or sprains. They help to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation by applying pressure to the injured area and limiting the movement of the tissues. They also provide support and stability to the affected extremity.
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