Which vital signs are most important for a patient who is experiencing shortness of breath?

Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because presence of pedal pulses and intact sensation is the most important bath time assessment of the diabetic patient. Pedal pulses are the pulses that can be felt on the top or side of the foot, and they indicate the blood flow to the lower extremities. Intact sensation is the ability to feel touch, pain, temperature, and vibration on the skin, and it indicates the nerve function of the lower extremities. Diabetic patients are at risk of developing peripheral vascular disease and peripheral neuropathy, which can impair the blood flow and nerve function of the lower extremities, and lead to ulcers, infections, or amputations. The nurse should assess the pedal pulses and intact sensation of the diabetic patient regularly, especially before and after bathing, to monitor for any signs of complications or deterioration.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because presence of fingernail clubbing is not the most important bath time assessment of the diabetic patient. Fingernail clubbing is a condition where the nails become curved and enlarged, and the nail bed becomes soft and spongy. It is a sign of chronic hypoxia or low oxygen levels in the blood, and it can be associated with various diseases such as lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, or congenital heart defects. However, it is not a common or specific complication of diabetes, and it does not pose an immediate risk of harm or injury to the diabetic patient.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because presence of abdominal rebound tenderness is not the most important bath time assessment of the diabetic patient. Abdominal rebound tenderness is a sign of peritoneal inflammation, which is the inflammation of the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs. It is elicited by pressing and releasing the abdomen quickly, and it causes pain when the pressure is released. It can be caused by various conditions such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, or peritonitis. However, it is not a common or specific complication of diabetes, and it does not pose an immediate risk of harm or injury to the diabetic patient.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because presence of any petechiae or bruises is not the most important bath time assessment of the diabetic patient. Petechiae are small, red, or purple spots on the skin that are caused by bleeding under the skin. Bruises are larger, blue, or purple areas on the skin that are caused by bleeding under the skin. They can be caused by various factors such as trauma, infection, medication, or blood disorders. However, they are not a common or specific complication of diabetes, and they do not pose an immediate risk of harm or injury to the diabetic patient.

Choice A reason: This is a correct choice because providing personal hygiene before bedtime is an appropriate nursing intervention to promote adequate sleep for a patient who suffers from a sleep pattern disturbance. This intervention can help the patient to feel more comfortable, relaxed, and refreshed, and to reduce the risk of infection or skin breakdown.

Choice B reason: This is a correct choice because synchronizing the schedule for medications and vital signs is an appropriate nursing intervention to promote adequate sleep for a patient who suffers from a sleep pattern disturbance. This intervention can help the patient to have uninterrupted sleep cycles, and to avoid unnecessary disturbances or discomforts from frequent assessments or treatments.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because administering sleep aids every night at the same time is not an appropriate nursing intervention to promote adequate sleep for a patient who suffers from a sleep pattern disturbance. This intervention can cause dependence, tolerance, or adverse effects from the sleep aids, and may not address the underlying cause of the sleep problem. The nurse should use non-pharmacological methods to promote sleep, and administer sleep aids only as prescribed and indicated.

Choice D reason: This is a correct choice because assisting the patient to use the toilet before bed is an appropriate nursing intervention to promote adequate sleep for a patient who suffers from a sleep pattern disturbance. This intervention can help the patient to avoid nocturia, which is the need to urinate at night, and to prevent urinary tract infections or incontinence.

Choice E reason: This is a correct choice because straightening and changing any soiled bed linens is an appropriate nursing intervention to promote adequate sleep for a patient who suffers from a sleep pattern disturbance. This intervention can help the patient to maintain a clean, dry, and comfortable sleeping environment, and to prevent skin irritation or infection.