A nurse is collecting data from a client's skin. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to assess skin turgor?
- A. Lightly palpate the skin using the fingertips.
- B. Press the skin over the client's ankle bone.
- C. Observe for nonblanching, pinpoint-size red or purple spots.
- D. Grasp a fold of skin on the client's forearm or near the sternum.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Grasp a fold of skin on the client's forearm or near the sternum. This method assesses skin turgor by evaluating how quickly the skin returns to its normal position after being pinched. Adequate skin turgor indicates good hydration status, as hydrated skin will snap back promptly. If the skin remains elevated or "tents," it may indicate dehydration. Choice A involves palpation, which assesses skin temperature and texture but not turgor. Choice B involves assessing edema, not skin turgor. Choice C describes petechiae, which are indicative of bleeding disorders. Overall, choice D is the most appropriate for assessing skin turgor accurately.
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A nurse is caring for a client who has atelectasis. The nurse should instruct the client to lie on his back with a quarter turn elevating his right side and his head lower than his feet to mobilize secretions from which of the following lung segments?
- A. Anterior segment of the right upper lobe
- B. Anterior segment of the right middle lobe
- C. Posterior segment of the right middle lobe
- D. Posterior segment of the right lower lobe
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Postural drainage in this position helps mobilize secretions from the lower lobes and prevent complications.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a stool guaiac test. The client asks the nurse about the purpose of the test. The nurse should respond by stating that the stool guaiac is testing for which of the following findings in the client's feces?
- A. Bacteria
- B. Parasites
- C. Blood
- D. Fat
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Blood. A stool guaiac test is used to detect the presence of occult (hidden) blood in the feces, which may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding. This test helps in diagnosing various gastrointestinal conditions such as ulcers, polyps, or colorectal cancer. Detecting blood in the stool is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as stool guaiac test specifically looks for blood, not bacteria, parasites, or fat in the feces. Blood in the stool is a significant finding that requires further investigation, making it the appropriate response in this scenario.
A nurse is reviewing the plan of care for a client who has a respiratory infection. The nurse should plan to have the client lie on his stomach with pillows elevating his chest and stomach to mobilize secretions from which of the following lung segments?
- A. Anterior segment of the right upper lobe
- B. Anterior segment of the right middle lobe
- C. Posterior segment of the right middle lobe
- D. Posterior segment of the right lower lobe
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Prone positioning with elevation allows mucus drainage from posterior lung segments.
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who expresses feelings of grief for his earlier life. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to help the client cope with his feelings of loss?
- A. Let the client know that this is a common problem of the aging population.
- B. Provide the client with activities to perform so he won't have time to dwell on the past.
- C. Listen attentively when the client talks about the past.
- D. Tell the client about some of the younger clients in the hospital who have experienced loss.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Listen attentively when the client talks about the past. Active listening is crucial in helping the client cope with feelings of grief. By providing a supportive environment and allowing the client to express his emotions, the nurse can validate his feelings and provide emotional support. This helps the client feel understood and accepted, facilitating the grieving process.
Choice A is incorrect because simply stating that it is a common problem does not address the individual client's feelings. Choice B is incorrect as it dismisses the client's emotions and distracts rather than addressing the root of the issue. Choice D is inappropriate as it is not empathetic and may invalidate the client's experience by comparing it to others.
When a nurse obtains an unusually low blood pressure measurement for a client whose blood pressure is generally elevated, she considers the possibility of a problem with her technique. Which of the following sources of error should she consider as a possible cause of the low reading?
- A. Wrapping the cuff too loosely around the client's arm
- B. Positioning the client's arm above heart level
- C. Measuring blood pressure right after the client's mealtime
- D. Deflating the cuff too slowly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Positioning the client's arm above heart level. When the client's arm is positioned above heart level, it can lead to an artificially low blood pressure reading due to gravitational effects. This position can cause blood to pool in the arm, reducing the pressure in the arteries and resulting in an inaccurate measurement. This error is known as hydrostatic pressure error. Wrapping the cuff too loosely (choice A) can lead to an inaccurate reading due to inadequate compression of the artery. Measuring blood pressure right after a meal (choice C) can also affect the reading due to the body's response to food intake. Deflating the cuff too slowly (choice D) can result in a falsely elevated diastolic reading.