The nurse documents that the client's pupillary reaction is PERRLA. What is the "A" in this assessment describing about the client's eyes?
Changes in peripheral vision in response to light
Involuntary blinking in the presence of bright light
Pupillary dilation when looking at a near object
Pupillary constriction when looking at a near object
The Correct Answer is D
A) Changes in peripheral vision in response to light: While peripheral vision is important in a comprehensive eye assessment, it is not specifically evaluated through the PERRLA acronym. PERRLA focuses on how the pupils respond to light and accommodation, not on peripheral vision changes.
B) Involuntary blinking in the presence of bright light: Involuntary blinking is part of a reflex action known as the blink reflex, which helps protect the eyes from bright lights and foreign objects. However, this response is not what the "A" in PERRLA refers to, which is more specifically about pupillary reactions to focus.
C) Pupillary dilation when looking at a near object: When focusing on a near object, the pupils actually constrict rather than dilate. This process, known as accommodation, is important for clear vision at close distances but does not pertain to the dilation of pupils.
D) Pupillary constriction when looking at a near object: The "A" in PERRLA stands for accommodation, which specifically refers to the pupils constricting when a person looks at a nearby object. This reaction helps the eyes focus properly and is a normal finding in a healthy neurological assessment. Thus, option D accurately describes the "A" in the PERRLA assessment.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
A) Alert and oriented: Being alert and oriented typically indicates adequate oxygenation, not hypoxia. Patients experiencing hypoxia are more likely to show signs of confusion or altered mental status rather than clarity.
B) Cyanosis: Cyanosis is a classic sign of hypoxia, presenting as a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to low oxygen levels in the blood. This is a significant indicator of inadequate oxygenation.
C) Anxiety and restlessness: These symptoms are common responses to hypoxia as the body attempts to compensate for insufficient oxygen. Patients may feel anxious or restless as they struggle to breathe or feel a sense of impending doom.
D) Oxygen saturation 96%: An oxygen saturation level of 96% is generally considered normal and indicates adequate oxygenation. Therefore, this finding does not suggest hypoxia.
E) Capillary refill 5 seconds: A prolonged capillary refill time can indicate poor perfusion and potential hypoxia. Inadequate blood flow can lead to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues, making this a relevant sign of hypoxia
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Symmetry: During a breast inspection, the nurse should assess for symmetry between the two breasts. It is normal for there to be some slight differences, but significant asymmetry can indicate underlying issues that may need further evaluation.
B) Hard nodules: While the presence of hard nodules would be a significant finding, this would typically be assessed through palpation rather than inspection. The initial visual assessment focuses on appearance, shape, and symmetry.
C) Skin texture: Skin texture may be observed during inspection, but it is not a primary finding that stands out as a key assessment element. It can be noted as part of a comprehensive evaluation but is not the main focus.
D) Tenderness: Tenderness is a subjective assessment that is evaluated through palpation and client reporting, rather than through inspection. The nurse cannot document tenderness solely based on visual assessment.