The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris. On assessment of the client, the nurse should look for which sign characteristic of this condition?
- A. Turner's sign
- B. Chvostek's sign
- C. Nikolsky's sign
- D. Trousseau's sign
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A hallmark sign of pemphigus vulgaris is Nikolsky's sign, which occurs when the epidermis can be rubbed off by slight friction or injury. Other characteristics include flaccid bullae that rupture easily and emit a foul-smelling drainage, leaving crusted, denuded skin. The lesions are common on the face, back, chest, and umbilicus. Even slight pressure on an intact blister may cause spread to adjacent skin. Turner's sign refers to a grayish discoloration of the flanks and is seen in clients with acute pancreatitis. Chvostek's sign, seen in tetany, is a spasm of the facial muscles elicited by tapping the facial nerve in the region of the parotid gland. Trousseau's sign is a sign for tetany, in which carpal spasm can be elicited by compressing the upper arm with a blood pressure cuff inflated above the systolic pressure and causing ischemia to the nerves distally.
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The nurse caring for a client receiving intravenous therapy monitors for which signs of infiltration of an intravenous (IV) infusion? Select all that apply.
- A. Slowing of the IV rate
- B. Tenderness at the insertion site
- C. Edema around the insertion site
- D. Skin tightness at the insertion site
- E. Warmth of skin at the insertion site
- F. Fluid leaking from the insertion site
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D,F
Rationale: Infiltration is the leakage of an IV solution into the extravascular tissue. Manifestations include slowing of the IV rate; burning, tenderness, or general discomfort at the insertion site; increasing edema in or around the catheter insertion site; complaints of skin tightness; blanching or coolness of the skin; and fluid leaking from the insertion site.
The nurse is applying electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes to a diaphoretic client. Which intervention should the nurse take to keep the electrodes securely in place?
- A. Secure the electrodes with adhesive tape.
- B. Place clear, transparent dressings over the electrodes.
- C. Apply lanolin to the skin before applying the electrodes.
- D. Cleanse the skin with alcohol before applying the electrodes.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Alcohol defats the skin and helps the electrodes adhere to the skin. Placing adhesive tape or a clear dressing over the electrodes will not help the adhesive gel of the actual electrode make better contact with the diaphoretic skin. Lanolin or any other lotion makes the skin slippery and prevents good initial adherence.
A client has undergone angioplasty of the iliac artery. Which technique should the nurse perform to best detect bleeding from the angioplasty in the region of the iliac artery?
- A. Palpate the pedal pulses.
- B. Measure the abdominal girth.
- C. Assess the client about the level of pain in the area.
- D. Auscultate over the iliac area with a Doppler device.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bleeding after iliac artery angioplasty causes blood to accumulate in the retroperitoneal area. This can most directly be detected by measuring abdominal girth. Palpation and auscultation of pulses determine patency. Assessment of pain is routinely done, and mild regional discomfort is expected.
A client, admitted to the hospital for evaluation of recurrent runs of ventricular tachycardia, is scheduled for electrophysiology studies (EPS). Which statement should the nurse include in a teaching plan for this client?
- A. You will continue to take your medications until the morning of the test.
- B. You will be sedated during the procedure and will not remember what has happened.
- C. This test is a noninvasive method of determining the effectiveness of your medication regimen.
- D. The test uses a special wire to increase the heart rate and produce the irregular beats that cause your signs and symptoms.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The purpose of EPS is to study the heart's electrical system. During this invasive procedure, a special wire is introduced into the heart to produce dysrhythmias. To prepare for this procedure, the client should be NPO for 6 to 8 hours before the test, and all antidysrhythmics are held for at least 24 hours before the test to study the dysrhythmias without the influence of medications. Because the client's verbal responses to the rhythm changes are extremely important, sedation is avoided if possible.
The nurse is ambulating a client for the first time after having abdominal surgery. What clinical manifestations should indicate to the nurse that the client may be experiencing orthostatic hypotension? Select all that apply.
- A. Nausea
- B. Dizziness
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Lightheadedness
- E. Flushing of the face
- F. Reports of seeing spots
Correct Answer: A,B,D,F
Rationale: Orthostatic hypotension occurs when a normotensive person develops symptoms of low blood pressure when rising to an upright position. Whenever the nurse gets a client up and out of a bed or chair, there is a risk for orthostatic hypotension. Symptoms of nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, tachycardia, pallor, and reports of seeing spots are characteristic of orthostatic hypotension. A drop of approximately 15 mm Hg in the systolic blood pressure and 10 mm Hg in the diastolic blood pressure also occurs. Fainting can result without intervention, which includes immediately assisting the client to a lying position.