When entering a male client's room, the nurse observes that he is splinting his chest with a pillow. Which follow-up assessment should the nurse complete?
Numeric pain intensity scale.
Apical-radial pulse deficit.
Anteroposterior (AP) chest diameter.
Body temperature.
The Correct Answer is A
A. The numeric pain intensity scale is a direct and effective method to assess the level of pain a patient is experiencing. If a client is splinting their chest, it’s essential to evaluate their pain level to determine the severity and guide appropriate pain management strategies. This is likely the most relevant and immediate follow-up assessment in this scenario.
B. An apical-radial pulse deficit measures the difference between the apical pulse (heart rate auscultated at the apex of the heart) and the radial pulse (heart rate palpated at the wrist). This assessment is used to detect conditions such as atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias and is not directly related to the client’s chest splinting. Therefore, it is not the most relevant follow-up assessment in this context.
C. The anteroposterior (AP) chest diameter assessment is used to evaluate conditions such as barrel chest, which can be associated with chronic respiratory conditions. While this measurement can be important for assessing chronic respiratory issues, it is not directly related to the immediate concern of chest splinting, which is more likely associated with acute pain or discomfort.
D. Measuring body temperature is important for assessing the presence of fever or infection, but it does not directly address the client’s immediate complaint of chest pain or discomfort. While an elevated temperature might be relevant if an infection is suspected, it is not the most direct or immediate follow- up assessment for the observed behavior of splinting the chest.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Skin turgor assesses skin elasticity and hydration, which is more indicative of general hydration status rather than specific types of insufficiency. While poor skin turgor might be observed in various conditions, it does not specifically differentiate between venous and arterial ulcers.
B. The location and appearance of the ulcer can provide significant clues about its etiology. Venous ulcers often appear on the lower legs, particularly around the medial malleolus (inside of the ankle), and tend to have irregular, shallow, and often wet or weepy edges.
C. Changes in color upon movement can provide insight into the type of insufficiency. For arterial ulcers, the leg may appear pale or blanched when elevated and may develop a reddish or purple color when lowered due to poor blood flow.
D. Measuring joint range of motion assesses flexibility and mobility rather than the type of ulcer. While joint mobility issues can be associated with various conditions, including those affecting the vascular system, it does not directly help in distinguishing between venous and arterial insufficiency ulcers.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Instructing the client to close their eyes is crucial during sensory assessments, including temperature testing. This helps ensure that the client does not rely on visual cues to determine the temperature of
the stimuli, allowing the nurse to accurately assess the client’s sensory perception based purely on
touch and temperature differences.
B. Covering the client with a warmed blanket is not necessary for assessing temperature perception. This action could alter the client’s baseline sensory perception by affecting their skin temperature, which could lead to inaccurate results. The sensory assessment requires the client to experience temperature changes directly on their skin without external influences like additional warmth.
C. Darkening the room is not relevant for assessing temperature sensation. Visual impairment (like darkening the room) is not related to sensory nerve function related to temperature perception, and this step does not contribute to an accurate assessment of the client's ability to perceive temperature changes.
D. Measuring the client’s body temperature is not a direct method for assessing their sensory nerve function or temperature perception. While knowing the body temperature might be relevant for other reasons, it does not directly assess how well the client can sense temperature changes on their skin.
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