A nurse is assisting in preparing a presentation at a senior center about age-related musculoskeletal changes. Which of the following alterations is appropriate for the nurse to include?
- A. Decreased muscle mass
- B. Thickened vertebral disks
- C. Decreased chest width
- D. Increased force of isometric contractions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased muscle mass. As individuals age, there is a natural decline in muscle mass known as sarcopenia. This is due to a decrease in muscle fiber size and number. The nurse should include this alteration in the presentation because it is a common age-related musculoskeletal change that can lead to weakness, decreased mobility, and increased risk of falls in older adults.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because thickened vertebral disks, decreased chest width, and increased force of isometric contractions are not typical age-related musculoskeletal changes. Thickened vertebral disks are more associated with degenerative disc disease, decreased chest width is not a common age-related change, and increased force of isometric contractions is not a typical alteration seen in older adults.
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A nurse is collecting data from a client who requires bed rest and has developed thrombophlebitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect when examining the client's leg?
- A. Cool skin
- B. Numbness
- C. Pallor
- D. Edema
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Edema. Thrombophlebitis is inflammation of a vein with a blood clot, leading to impaired blood flow. Edema, or swelling, is a common symptom due to the obstruction of blood flow. This results in fluid accumulation in the affected area. Cool skin, numbness, and pallor are not typical findings in thrombophlebitis. Cool skin and numbness are more indicative of nerve or circulation issues, while pallor suggests reduced blood flow but is not a common finding in thrombophlebitis.
A client comes to the clinic reporting chronic low back pain. He asks the nurse to recommend specific exercises for him. Which of the following activities should the nurse suggest?
- A. Tennis
- B. Canoeing
- C. Swimming
- D. Archery
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Swimming. Swimming is a low-impact exercise that helps strengthen the muscles in the back and core without putting excessive strain on the spine. It also promotes flexibility and improves cardiovascular health, which can aid in managing chronic low back pain. Other options like A (Tennis), B (Canoeing), and D (Archery) involve movements that may exacerbate back pain due to potential twisting, impact, or strain on the back muscles. Therefore, swimming is the most suitable recommendation for the client to alleviate and manage chronic low back pain effectively.
A nurse in an extended-care facility is reinforcing teaching with a group of newly licensed nurses about the expected physiologic changes of aging. Which of the following information should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)
- A. More difficulty seeing due to a greater sensitivity to glare
- B. Decreased cough reflex
- C. Decreased bladder capacity
- D. Decreased systolic blood pressure
- E. Dehydration of intervertebral discs
Correct Answer: A,B,C,E
Rationale: Correct Answer: A, B, C, E
Rationale:
A: With aging, the lens of the eye becomes less flexible, leading to difficulty seeing due to glare.
B: Aging affects the cough reflex, making it less effective in clearing the respiratory tract.
C: Bladder capacity decreases with age due to decreased muscle tone and elasticity.
E: Intervertebral discs lose water content with age, leading to dehydration and decreased flexibility.
Incorrect Choices:
D: Systolic blood pressure tends to increase with age, not decrease.
F, G: No information provided to analyze these options.
A nurse is collecting data about a client's circulatory system. Which of the following pulse sites should the nurse avoid checking bilaterally at the same time?
- A. Brachial
- B. Carotid
- C. Femoral
- D. Popliteal
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Carotid. Checking the carotid pulse bilaterally simultaneously can lead to a temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain, potentially causing dizziness or fainting. It is important to assess one carotid pulse at a time to ensure adequate blood supply to the brain. Checking the brachial, femoral, and popliteal pulses bilaterally at the same time is safe as it does not pose a risk of compromising blood flow to critical organs.
A nurse is measuring a client for knee-high antiembolic stockings to help prevent venous stasis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Measure from the client's heel to the gluteal fold.
- B. Measure the length of the client's feet.
- C. Measure from the client's heel to the popliteal space.
- D. Measure the client's ankle circumference.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Measure from the client's heel to the popliteal space. This is the correct action because knee-high antiembolic stockings should cover the area from the heel to just below the knee at the popliteal space. This measurement ensures proper sizing and compression effectiveness.
A: Measuring from the heel to the gluteal fold is incorrect as it would result in stockings that are too long and may impede circulation.
B: Measuring the length of the client's feet is irrelevant for determining the correct size of knee-high stockings.
D: Measuring the client's ankle circumference alone is insufficient for determining the appropriate length of knee-high stockings.
In summary, choice C is correct as it ensures the stockings fit properly, while the other choices are incorrect due to inaccuracies or irrelevance in determining the appropriate size for knee-high antiembolic stockings.