When performing a neurologic assessment on an alert client, the nurse observes that the client's pupils are both round, 3 mm in size, and respond briskly to light. Which notation should the nurse use when documenting the assessment?

Pupils equal, round, reacts to light, and accommodation (PERLA).

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 15.

Pupils equal, round, reacts to light (PERRL).

Neurological status intact.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A Reason:
Pupils equal, round, reacts to light, and accommodation (PERLA) is inappropriate. While PERLA includes accommodation, which involves constriction of the pupils when focusing on a near object, accommodation was not specifically assessed or mentioned in the scenario. Therefore, it would be inaccurate to include it in the documentation based solely on the information provided.
Choice B Reason:
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 15 is inappropriate. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) assesses the level of consciousness based on eye, verbal, and motor responses. However, the scenario does not provide information about the client's verbal or motor responses, so using the GCS score of 15 would not accurately reflect the findings described in the assessment of the pupils.
Choice C Reason:
Pupils equal, round, reacts to light (PERRL) is appropriate. This notation describes the key observations made during the assessment of the client's pupils. "PERRL" stands for Pupils Equal, Round, and Reactive to Light. In the given scenario, both pupils are equal in size, round, and demonstrate a brisk response to light, indicating normal pupillary function.
Choice D Reason:
Neurological status intact is inappropriate. While the assessment findings suggest normal pupillary function, documenting "neurological status intact" is a broader statement that encompasses various aspects of neurological function beyond just pupillary assessment. It may be accurate to describe the pupillary findings within the context of a broader neurological assessment, but it does not specifically address the pupil findings as described in the scenario. Therefore, option C is the most appropriate notation for documenting the assessment findings of the pupils.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Sending the sample for laboratory evaluation is incorrect. Sending the urine sample for laboratory evaluation is a standard procedure to assess for any abnormalities, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney function, or other urinary tract disorders. While laboratory evaluation of the urine sample is important for diagnostic purposes, the client's difficulty providing an adequate urine sample suggests an underlying issue that needs to be addressed before obtaining a sample.
Choice B Reason:
Giving the client 8 ounces (236.5 mL) of water to drink is incorrect. Offering the client water to drink is a common intervention to encourage urine production and facilitate urine sample collection, particularly if the client is dehydrated or has difficulty producing a sample. However, given the client's symptoms of lower abdominal discomfort, frequent urination, and difficulty providing a urine sample despite efforts, simply offering water may not adequately address the underlying issue of potential bladder distention.
Choice C Reason:
Evaluating the client for bladder distention is correct. The client's symptoms of lower abdominal discomfort, frequent urination, and difficulty providing a urine sample after an extended period of time, along with returning with only a few drops of urine, are suggestive of potential bladder distention. Evaluating the client for bladder distention involves assessing for signs such as a visibly enlarged and palpable bladder, suprapubic discomfort or pain, and percussion of the bladder to assess for dullness, indicating fluid accumulation. Addressing bladder distention is essential to ensure the client's comfort and prevent complications associated with urinary retention.
Choice D Reason:
Instructing the client to attempt to urinate again is incorrect. Instructing the client to attempt to urinate again may be a reasonable intervention if the bladder is not distended and the client is simply having difficulty producing a urine sample. However, given the client's symptoms and the difficulty providing an adequate urine sample despite previous attempts, simply instructing the client to try again may not address the underlying issue of potential bladder distention. Evaluating for bladder distention is necessary to determine the appropriate course of action and ensure the client's comfort and safety.

A. Test feet for a positive Babinski reflex. B. Observe color of the feet and toes. C. Measure skin elasticity around the ankles. D. Assess volume of the pedal pulses. E. Palpate dorsal surface of feet for warmth.

Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Testing feet for a positive Babinski reflex is wrong. The Babinski reflex is a neurological test that assesses upper motor neuron function, particularly in the lower extremities. However, it is not relevant to assessing cold feet, and testing for the Babinski reflex would not provide useful information in this situation.
Choice B Reason:
Observing color of the feet and toes is wright. Observing the color of the feet and toes can provide important information about circulation. Pallor, cyanosis, or mottling may indicate inadequate blood flow or perfusion to the extremities, which could contribute to cold feet.
Choice C Reason:
Measuring skin elasticity around the ankles is wrong. Skin elasticity assessment is more relevant for evaluating hydration status or tissue turgor. While it may be useful in certain contexts, it is not directly related to assessing cold feet and peripheral circulation. Therefore, it is not necessary before covering the client's feet in this scenario.
Choice D Reason:
Assessing volume of the pedal pulses is wright. Assessing the volume of the pedal pulses (such as dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses) provides information about peripheral vascular status. Weak or absent pulses may indicate compromised circulation, contributing to cold feet.
Choice E Reason:
Palpating dorsal surface of feet for warmth is wright. palpating the dorsal surface of the feet for warmth helps assess peripheral perfusion. Coolness to touch may indicate decreased blood flow to the extremities, while warmth suggests adequate circulation.

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When performing a neurologic assessment on an alert client, the nurse observes that the client's pupils are both round, 3 mm in size, and respond briskly to light. Which notation should the nurse use when documenting the assessment?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An older adult male arrives at the healthcare center with lower abdominal discomfort and frequent urination. The nurse asks the client to provide a urine sample. After an extended period of time, the client returns with only a few drops of urine. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

An older male client reports to the nurse that his feet are cold. Before covering the client's feet, which assessment(s) should the nurse complete? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]

Explanation

An older adult client with a history of heart failure (HF) is brought to the clinic by a family member. Which finding(s) confirm to the nurse that the client is experiencing an exacerbation of the HF? Select all that apply.

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