While assessing the legs of an adult client, the nurse observes leathery-looking skin. The client reports aching, tired legs that swell if standing for long periods of time. To screen for venous insufficiency, the nurse should ask the client if they have experienced which subjective finding?
Deep, continuous pain in the calf muscles.
Painful symptoms alleviated by warmth.
Cool, pale skin below the knees.
Decreased pain when legs are elevated.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Deep, continuous pain in the calf muscles:
Deep, continuous pain in the calf muscles is more indicative of conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) rather than venous insufficiency.
B. Painful symptoms alleviated by warmth:
Painful symptoms alleviated by warmth are more characteristic of arterial insufficiency, such as in peripheral arterial disease (PAD), rather than venous insufficiency.
C. Cool, pale skin below the knees:
Cool, pale skin below the knees is also more suggestive of arterial insufficiency rather than venous insufficiency. Arterial insufficiency often presents with decreased blood flow to the extremities, resulting in coolness and pallor.
D. Decreased pain when legs are elevated:
This is the correct answer. Venous insufficiency typically results in symptoms such as aching, tired legs, and swelling, which worsen with prolonged standing but improve with leg elevation. This is due to the reduction in venous pressure when the legs are elevated, which helps alleviate symptoms associated with venous congestion and stasis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Compare the shape of each of the pupils bilaterally with normal room light:
Assessing the shape of the pupils with normal room light is not specifically related to assessing pupillary reaction to accommodation. This action may be more relevant for assessing pupillary symmetry and shape, but it does not directly evaluate accommodation.
B) Determine if dilation of the pupils occurs when the room is darkened:
This action assesses the pupillary response to changes in light (pupillary light reflex), not specifically accommodation. While it is an important assessment, it does not target accommodation specifically.
C) Note the speed of pupil constriction when a penlight is shined into the eye:
This action assesses the pupillary light reflex, which involves the constriction of the pupils in response to light. While it is related to pupillary function, it does not specifically evaluate accommodation.
D) Observe pupil size when focusing on a near object and then a far object:
This action directly assesses the pupillary reaction to accommodation. When focusing on a near object, the pupils should constrict (miosis), and when focusing on a far object, the pupils should dilate (mydriasis). This response indicates that the pupils are adapting to changes in focal distance, demonstrating accommodation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Inspection of head and neck is observed in a straight alignment without lateral curves:
This finding describes the normal alignment of the head and neck without lateral curves, indicating proper cervical spine alignment. While it provides information about cervical alignment, it does not directly suggest lifestyle habits that could contribute to neck stiffness and discomfort.
B) Evaluation of cranial nerve XI reveals flexion is maintained against full resistance:
Assessing cranial nerve XI (accessory nerve) involves testing the strength of the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles. While weakness in these muscles may indicate pathology affecting the nerve, it does not specifically relate to lifestyle habits contributing to neck stiffness and discomfort.
C) Observation of cervical range of motion reveals flexion and extension is 25 degrees:
Limited cervical range of motion, such as the restricted flexion and extension described, may suggest musculoskeletal issues or lifestyle habits contributing to neck stiffness and discomfort. Further inquiry into the client's lifestyle habits, such as occupational activities, posture, and exercise habits, would be warranted to identify potential factors contributing to limited cervical range of motion.
D) Palpation of the spinous processes and surrounding muscles are non-tender:
Non-tender palpation of the spinous processes and surrounding muscles suggests the absence of acute musculoskeletal issues or inflammation in the cervical spine region. While it rules out tenderness on palpation, it does not provide specific information about lifestyle habits that could contribute to neck stiffness and discomfort.
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