When performing a skin and nail exam on an older adult female client, the nurse notes that she has longitudinal ridges on her fingernails. What does this finding indicate?
An expected variation.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Fungal infection.
Psoriasis.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Longitudinal ridges on the fingernails are a common finding in older adults and often do not indicate any underlying health problems. These ridges may develop due to normal aging processes as the rate of nail growth slows.
B. While COPD can cause changes in the nails, such as clubbing, longitudinal ridges are not typically associated with this condition. COPD is more likely to cause cyanosis and other signs related to poor oxygenation.
C. A fungal infection usually causes discoloration, thickening, or brittleness in nails, but not longitudinal ridges. Fungal infections would likely affect the overall appearance of the nail rather than causing isolated ridges.
D. Psoriasis can cause pitting, scaling, or thickening of the nails, but longitudinal ridges are not characteristic of this condition. Psoriasis typically affects the skin more than the nails, though it can lead to changes in nail structure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Skin tenting is a sign of dehydration. It occurs when the skin, after being pinched, does not quickly return to its normal position. This is often seen in areas with loose skin such as the subclavicular region.
B. Loss of skin elasticity is a normal aging process and not specifically indicative of dehydration. It can be seen in older adults regardless of hydration status.
C. Warm and dry skin can be a sign of dehydration. Dehydration leads to reduced sweating, which can result in dry skin, and it may also increase the body temperature, making the skin feel warm.
D. Thinning hair, especially in the lower extremities, is typically associated with circulatory issues or aging. It is not a direct sign of dehydration.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While it is important to palpate the correct quadrant, this is unlikely the cause if the gallbladder cannot be located. The gallbladder is typically located in the right upper quadrant, and the nurse would have been palpating this area. This option does not address the most likely cause.
B. A normal gallbladder might not always be palpable, especially if the client is obese. However, inability to palpate the gallbladder does not necessarily indicate a problem; this is a common finding in obese individuals where fat tissue can obscure the gallbladder.
C. Obesity can make it more difficult to palpate internal structures such as the gallbladder. Excess adipose tissue in the abdominal area can prevent the nurse from feeling the gallbladder during palpation. This is the most likely explanation for the failure to locate the gallbladder.
D. While deeper palpation might be necessary in obese clients, the inability to palpate the gallbladder is more likely due to the obscuring effects of fat, rather than a technique issue. It's a common finding that obesity hinders the ability to palpate organs like the gallbladder.
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