The nurse is performing an integumentary system assessment of a patient who has smoked for the last 40 years. The patient has clubbing of the fingernails. What does this finding indicate to the nurse?
The patient has asthma.
The patient has cardiovascular disease.
The patient has emphysema.
The patient has chronic hypoxemia.
The Correct Answer is D
A) The patient has asthma: While asthma can lead to respiratory symptoms and issues, it is not typically associated with clubbing of the fingernails. Asthma primarily affects airway constriction and inflammation, rather than causing the long-term changes in nail morphology seen with clubbing.
B) The patient has cardiovascular disease: Although some cardiovascular conditions can lead to clubbing, it is more commonly associated with chronic lung diseases. Cardiovascular disease might cause other signs or symptoms, but clubbing alone is not a definitive indicator of this condition.
C) The patient has emphysema: Emphysema, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by the destruction of lung tissue and impaired airflow. While it can contribute to hypoxemia, clubbing is not a common finding specifically associated with emphysema.
D) The patient has chronic hypoxemia: Clubbing of the fingernails is a classic sign of chronic hypoxemia, often resulting from long-term respiratory conditions like COPD, interstitial lung disease, or lung cancer. It indicates a prolonged lack of oxygen in the blood, leading to changes in the nail bed and digit shape. Given the patient's long smoking history, chronic hypoxemia is the most likely explanation for this finding.
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Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
A) Blood pressure 150/90: This data is objective because it is a measurable value obtained through direct observation using a sphygmomanometer. It provides a quantifiable assessment of the client's cardiovascular status and can be verified by others, making it an important piece of objective data.
B) Bowel sounds present in all 4 quadrants: The assessment of bowel sounds is objective as it involves physical examination techniques that can be observed and documented by the nurse. The presence of bowel sounds indicates gastrointestinal activity, and this finding can be consistently assessed across different healthcare providers.
C) PERRLA: The abbreviation stands for "Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation." This assessment is objective as it involves specific, observable measurements of the client's pupils during an eye examination. It can be consistently evaluated by different healthcare professionals, ensuring reliable documentation.
D) Anxious about surgical procedure: This statement is subjective as it reflects the client's personal feelings and emotional state. While important for understanding the client's experience, it cannot be measured or observed directly by the nurse and relies on the client's self-reporting.
E) Dyspnea on exertion: While dyspnea can be observed, the phrase "on exertion" refers to the client's subjective experience of breathlessness. Although it can be assessed through observation of respiratory patterns, the experience itself is based on the client's interpretation, making it subjective data.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Have the client smile, frown, and puff out their cheeks: This test assesses the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), not the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). While important for evaluating facial movement, it does not specifically test the motor function of the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for mastication.
B) Palpate the masseter muscles when the client clenches their teeth: This is the correct test for assessing the motor function of the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve innervates the muscles responsible for chewing, and palpating the masseter muscles during clenching allows the nurse to evaluate muscle strength and function. It provides insight into the motor capabilities associated with this cranial nerve.
C) Assess constriction of the client's pupils with direct and indirect light: This test evaluates the function of the optic nerve (cranial nerve II) and the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III). It does not assess the trigeminal nerve and is not relevant for this assessment.
D) Ask the patient to turn their head left and right with resistance: This action tests the spinal accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI), which is involved in neck movement. It does not relate to the function of the trigeminal nerve, making it an inappropriate choice for this specific assessment.