When assessing a 24-year-old body-builder, the nurse is unable to palpate an apical pulse. Which action should the nurse implement?

Continue with the cardiac examination.

Dim the lights in the examination room.

Question the client about steroid use.

Position the client in high Fowler's position.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   This may involve using a stethoscope to auscultate the apical pulse, as it might be more easily heard than felt, especially in individuals with significant muscle mass or other anatomical variations. This approach ensures that a thorough cardiac assessment is conducted.
B.   Dimming the lights would not impact the ability to palpate or auscultate the apical pulse. Lighting adjustments are generally more relevant for visual examinations rather than for palpation or auscultation of heart sounds. This action would not address the issue of locating the apical pulse.
C.   While steroid use can affect cardiovascular health, such as potentially causing changes in heart size or function, questioning the client about steroid use is not the immediate priority if the apical pulse cannot be palpated. The priority should be to ensure a correct assessment and use proper techniques to locate the pulse.
D.   Positioning the client in high Fowler's position (sitting up at a 60-90 degree angle) can help in various cardiac assessments and might make it easier to detect the apical pulse, especially if the client has a high muscle mass. This position can improve access to the chest and potentially facilitate better auscultation of heart sounds.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Nailbed clubbing is characterized by an increased angle between the nail and the nailbed, typically greater than 180 degrees. An angle of 200 degrees is consistent with clubbing, which can be a sign of chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, such as chronic lung diseases, congenital heart defects, or other systemic conditions.
B. Consulting with a podiatrist to trim toenails is important for foot care but is not directly related to the finding of nailbed clubbing. The angle of the nailbed is more indicative of a systemic issue rather than a local foot care problem. Therefore, this action does not address the underlying concern suggested by the angle of 200 degrees.
C. While anemia or other blood conditions can affect the nails, the specific finding of a nailbed angle of 200 degrees is more indicative of clubbing rather than issues typically associated with hemoglobin levels. Therefore, while monitoring hemoglobin is important for overall health, it is not the immediate priority in response to the finding of nailbed clubbing.
D. Administering oxygen might be necessary if the client is experiencing symptoms of hypoxia or has a condition affecting oxygenation. However, the finding of nailbed clubbing itself does not immediately necessitate oxygen therapy. Oxygen administration should be based on specific symptoms or clinical indications of hypoxia rather than the nailbed angle alone.

A. Inequality in muscle contraction. B. An intention tremor. C. Slowed capillary refill. D. Loss of peripheral sensation.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Inequality in muscle contraction is not related to the monofilament test, which assesses sensation rather than muscle strength or contraction. This finding would be more relevant to a neurological or musculoskeletal assessment rather than a sensory test.
B. An intention tremor is a type of tremor that occurs when a person is trying to make a precise movement, often associated with conditions affecting the cerebellum. This is not related to the monofilament test, which measures sensory perception and not motor function or tremors.

C. Slowed capillary refill is a sign of poor peripheral circulation and is assessed by pressing on the nail bed or skin and observing how long it takes for color to return. While it is important for assessing blood flow, it is not directly related to the monofilament test, which evaluates sensory function.
D. Loss of peripheral sensation is a direct and relevant finding for an abnormal response on the monofilament test. The monofilament test is designed to detect loss of sensation in the feet, which can be an indicator of diabetic neuropathy. An abnormal result, such as the inability to feel the monofilament or diminished sensation in certain areas, would indicate that the client is experiencing peripheral neuropathy.

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When assessing a 24-year-old body-builder, the nurse is unable to palpate an apical pulse. Which action should the nurse implement?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

In assessing a client's nailbeds, the nurse notes that the angle between the nail and the nailbed is 200 degrees. Which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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