The nurse assessing a 90-year-old patient notes that his skin is thin and turgor is non-elastic. The patient states that he always seems to be cold. What does the nurse know about these assessment findings?
The patient's integumentary system is within normal limits for his age
The patient may have a metabolic condition causing him to feel cold
The patient has abnormal thinning of skin
The patient should have elastic turgor
The Correct Answer is B
A) The patient's integumentary system is within normal limits for his age: While thinning skin and decreased turgor can be common in older adults, the specific combination of findings, including the patient feeling cold, suggests that further investigation is warranted rather than assuming they are normal.
B) The patient may have a metabolic condition causing him to feel cold: Thin skin and non-elastic turgor can be indicative of aging, but the sensation of always feeling cold may point to an underlying metabolic condition, such as hypothyroidism or poor circulation, which can affect thermoregulation.
C) The patient has abnormal thinning of skin: While skin thinning is common in older adults, it is not necessarily "abnormal" in the context of aging. However, in conjunction with other symptoms like non-elastic turgor and cold sensitivity, it may warrant further evaluation.
D) The patient should have elastic turgor: In older adults, it is common to see decreased elasticity and turgor of the skin. Therefore, expecting the patient to have elastic turgor may not be appropriate, as it reflects the natural aging process rather than a healthy standard.
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Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A) Range of motion: While assessing range of motion can provide information about joint function, it is not a specific component of a peripheral vascular assessment. This assessment primarily focuses on circulation and vascular integrity rather than mobility.
B) Color: Assessing the color of the upper extremities is essential in a peripheral vascular assessment. Changes in color can indicate issues such as poor circulation, hypoxia, or vascular disease, making it a critical observation.
C) Fine motor assessment by having the client touch each finger to thumb: This assessment evaluates both coordination and dexterity, which can indicate adequate blood flow to the fingers and upper extremities. It helps to assess the functional capacity of the hands in relation to vascular health.
D) Pain assessment: Evaluating for pain in the upper extremities is important, as pain can be a sign of vascular problems, including conditions like peripheral artery disease. It provides insight into the presence of ischemia or other vascular issues.
E) Pulses intact: Assessing the pulses in the upper extremities is a key component of a peripheral vascular assessment. Palpating the radial and brachial pulses helps determine blood flow and vascular function in the arms.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) +10: This score does not exist on the muscle function grading scale, which typically ranges from 0 to 5. Using +10 could confuse the assessment and misrepresent the client's strength.
B) +4: This score indicates good strength against some resistance but not full strength. It suggests that the client has nearly complete function but may still have some limitations in range or strength.
C) +5: This score signifies full muscle strength and complete range of motion in a joint without any limitations. A score of +5 is what you would expect for a client demonstrating full strength, indicating optimal muscle function.
D) +1: This score indicates trace muscle contraction with minimal movement, which is far from the full strength described in the question. It suggests severe weakness and would not apply in this case.